Toronto, Canada, Feb. 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the first time ever a Canadian Indigenous integrated cannabis company, namely Wiisag, has joined forces with an international Indigenous community to grow and develop high quality medical cannabis products for the Canadian and world markets.
The Westmoreland Hemp and Ganja Farmers Association (WHGFA) has invited Wiisag to provide funding, services and management for their 10-acre Pilot Project to grow medical cannabis. The project is expected to commence in the 2nd quarter of 2019 and yield two crops of medical marijuana on the allocated land this year.
“Jamaican cannabis is globally recognized as almost mythical because of its incredible 300-year history of cultural impact and usage,” said Jake Linklater, Executive Chairman of Wiisag. “All of the secrets and wisdom that have been buried in the shadows because cannabis is technically illegal in Jamaica and can now come out into the open because this pilot project is legal. It’s only natural that we would partner with Jamaicans first as we expand Wiisag’s indigenous community globally. We are honoured to have been selected by WHGFA and are committed to execute this important opportunity.”
The agreement was signed last week in Negril, Jamaica and picked up by local Jamaican press. Wiisag executives traveled to Kingston, Jamaica the following day to discuss the pilot project with Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture and hear their support for the Pilot Project.
“Both parties seek to forge a strategic partnership to grow and develop medical marijuana products,” said WHGFA Chairman, Delroy Johnson, who chaired the meetings and signing. “Our commitment is to work with Wiisag and benefit from their vision to create a competitive global company with branded products grown and developed by indigenous farmers and entrepreneurs. We have so much talent and know-how here. We’ve looked at many proposals over the past two years from all sorts of companies but Wiisag’s approach, team, and dedication to indigenous values and principles won the day.”
The agreement is endorsed by Jamaican ganja activist Ras Iyah V, who is also a Board member of the Jamaican Cannabis Licensing Authority. Iyah V is one of the world’s most-sought-after speakers on the science of growing herb and the rights of indigenous peoples, especially Rastafarians.
“We want to see agreements like these because we believe the small farmers must have a stake in this emerging new industry,” said Iyah V, who is the driving force behind the annual Rastafari Roots Fest and Ganjamaica Cup in Negril.
Jake Linklater concluded, “As an indigenous Canadian, I felt right at home with the wonderful people we met in Jamaica. The issues, struggles, and new optimism for cannabis as a means that we can create an economic engine for indigenous people were all very familiar. Wiisag is ready to work with all First Nations and indigenous groups who share our vision.”
Mr. Iyah V will be attending the National Indigenous Cannabis and Hemp Conference, February 19-21, in Ottawa, Canada. For more information, please visit www.wiisag.ca and www.nichc.ca