Joseph Vows – By Kisean Joseph
Joseph Vows Transparency Cannabis
Health Minister Michael Joseph has reaffirmed government’s commitment to safe, responsible and transparent development of the medicinal cannabis industry.
The pledge followed an extensive tour of the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority and licensed facilities. Joseph was accompanied by Chief Medical Officer Dr Kamaria DeCastro during the visit.
The tour was aimed at giving the Minister a comprehensive understanding of the Authority’s operations, regulatory framework and the range of medicinal cannabis products being developed locally.
During the visit, Joseph observed the Authority’s inventory management and regulatory systems. Every plant and product is fully traceable through coded identification, scanning technology and weight verification measures.
“The level of accountability and oversight demonstrated by the Authority is commendable,” Joseph said. “It is reassuring to see such robust systems in place to ensure transparency, quality control and compliance throughout the production process.”
Joseph also toured processing facilities, where he was briefed on the extraction of medicinal cannabis oils and other compounds. He was updated on research into different cannabis genetics used to develop products tailored to specific therapeutic needs.
Speaking to Observer Media alongside Medicinal Cannabis Authority CEO Regis Burton, Joseph, a former pharmacist, said he has seen the impact of medicinal cannabis firsthand and understands the science behind it.
“We’ve always been a case where we focus more on import than on production,” Joseph said. “As the Minister of Health, I know very well the value of medicinal cannabis. I’ve seen it firsthand in my previous life as a pharmacist. I see the impact that it has. I’m well aware of the science behind of it.”
He commended the operators of the production site visited during the tour, describing it as significant that a locally grown enterprise had entered the medicinal production industry. He said the sector could eventually contribute to regional and international healthcare development through export.
Burton said the industry’s continued growth depends heavily on education for stakeholders and the wider public.
“I think the future for the industry has to continue to be built on the importance of education,” Burton said. “I think many of the stakeholders and the decision makers understand the value of education generally. And I think specifically for a new industry, that’s an area we definitely need to increase our impact in.”
Burton said increased education would encourage more responsible use of cannabis and open avenues for people to recognise its therapeutic and wellness benefits. He said the sector’s growth should be measured not only by infrastructural development but also by human resource capacity and public education.
In addition to the Authority’s production facilities, Joseph toured several licensed medicinal cannabis dispensaries across Antigua and Barbuda.
