UWI And US Based Firm Sign MOU For Marijuana Research

KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – As the debate rages over whether marijuana should be decriminalized, the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a large US-based company to facilitate research into the medicinal properties of marijuana.

The MOU was signed last Wednesday, between the University and GenCanna Global, Inc. trading as Strains of Hope.

The agreement which will be effective for a period of three years was signed by Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Professor Archibald McDonald, and Strains of Hope’s founder/director, Josh Stanley at a ceremony held at the Mona Campus.

Under the terms of the MOU, researchers at the UWI will collaborate with researchers at Strains of Hope on fundamental, academic research related to the development of the medical cannabis industry.

The aim is to identify the biological and chemical properties of medical marijuana, with a view on determining how the plant works to treat disease or alleviate the symptoms of disease.

The parties have also agreed to provide support with the drafting of legislation related to the decriminalization of marijuana for medical purposes.

Strains of Hope is considered one of the largest marijuana growers and dispensary owners in the US state of Colorado.