The parliamentary committee that was recently appointed to formulate the policy framework for medicinal cannabis exportation and promotion is in the process of drafting it, The Daily Morning Business learns.
Speaking to The Daily Morning Business, Export Development Board (EDB) Director of Export Agriculture Janak Badugama said: “There is a committee appointed by the Government to lay down the procedures (for cannabis cultivation and exportation) as well as how to promote it – if there is any export potential. But right now, they (the said committee) have not yet finalised the matter.”
Badugama explained that till the drafted policy framework is submitted to the Government, the cultivation of cannabis cannot proceed since the policy framework currently being drafted is what will provide the necessary guidelines for the commencement of the industry.
The Daily Morning Business reported in June 2023 that the EDB was exploring potential markets for the exportation of medicinal cannabis.
Speaking to The Daily Morning in October 2022, Minister of Justice Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe (PC) said: “There is a committee appointed within Parliament to draft the policy. We cannot draft a Bill without a policy.”
Dr. Rajapkshe explained that the relevant laws are necessary to be in place for the cultivation of medicinal cannabis in a separate zone with fully-fledged security for the sole purpose of exportation.
He reiterated: “We also have to see if it is viable. Currently, there is heavy competition for the hemp industry in the world. The profit is not as before due to competition. We will have to consider all these factors and thereafter, if we decide on the policy, only then will we consider drafting the law.”
Speaking to the media following the Cabinet paper submission in this regard, State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Sisira Jayakody stressed that cannabis grown for medical purposes, in fact, cannot be used for smoking. According to the agreement that has been signed with the United Nations (UN), Sri Lanka is only able to cultivate cannabis for medical and scientific purposes.
According to the US-based Mayo Clinic, a globally renowned health centre, medicinal marijuana is used for treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy and seizures, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms, severe and chronic pain, and severe nausea or vomiting caused by cancer treatment. However, its use could cause possible side effects such as increased heart rate, dizziness, impaired concentration and memory, slower reaction times, negative drug-to-drug interactions, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, increased appetite, potential for addiction, hallucinations, or mental illness and withdrawal symptoms.