Following various theories presented as to the true reason behind Jamaica's dominance in the sprint races, some little-known Kenyan researchers claim to have discovered what has long baffled many in both the academic and sports world.

After little research and a lot of speculation Prof. Wak Manyang' and Dr. Emalek Kiso have attributed marijuana as the reason why Jamaicans are so fast.

In a research paper titled 'Weed for Speed; The case for legalising Cannabis Sativa' the researchers claim that copying Jamaican habits such as their dance styles or even wearing Jamaican flag themed bracelets or bandanas will not help Kenya produce sprinters. Rather, the researchers argue, Kenyans must be allowed to grow, sell and liberally consume marijuana for sports reasons.

On September 2, 2016, scientists, politicians and pioneers in the cannabis industry will gather in Montego Bay Convention Centre in Montego Bay, Jamaica for the Cannabis Business Conference and Symposium hosted by CanEx. Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Minister of Transport and Mining Mike Henry will attend as well as Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) board member Delano Seivwright.

Come with me. Red dirt/bauxite is to aluminium as ganja/cannabis is to cannabis medicinals? Jamaica has a clear choice in the development of the cannabis industry.

Is Jamaica on a course to actively leverage the ganja industry to raise the developmental capabilities of the country, or will the decisions made now perpetuate the economic situation, where the majority of people are left out of the value-added industry and only those with capital truly benefit?

As long as athletes don’t show up stoned at competition, it’s all good, right?

This year’s Olympic games has been more stressful than most amid  athletes dropping out over concerns of Zika virus and Russia’s doping scandal that has banned some of their competitors.

Europe-based cannabis expert Davide Fortin will be a featured guest speaker at the inaugural CanEx Jamaica Conference, scheduled for Montego

Bay Convention Centre on September 2. Fortin will present his views on cannabis and the medical policies that surround legalising the drug.

A graduate of the Copenhagen Business School, Fortin graduated with an MSc in Advanced Economics and Finance with a focus on the economic impact of the cannabis regulation in Colorado. In his research, Fortin explored various facets of the legal market, including prices, tourism, interstate smuggling, perceived qualities, and the composition of demands for both medical and recreational users.

Amid concerns of an influx of ganja and products made from the herb now widely available in Jamaica, the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) is warning persons that it is still illegal to purchase any of those items.

In a statement released yesterday, the agency said it was recently brought to its attention that there was a proliferation of cannabis, cannabis-infused, and cannabis-derived products, of both local and overseas origin, being made available and/or sold throughout Jamaica.

As a result, "the CLA wishes to advise unaware potential consumers, producers, and purveyors of such products that by purchasing, processing or producing such products, they are engaging in an activity that is both illegal and unregulated," the authority noted.

Pointing to a 50 per cent increase in the number of students now being treated for marijuana use, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton yesterday recommended an in-depth review of the impact that amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act are having on the country.

Tufton, in his sectoral debate in Parliament, also suggested the implementation of a properly funded prevention and control programme to combat the problem.

According to Tufton, local and international studies confirm that there are potentially serious implications for the health and well-being of people who use cannabis.

Some small farmers are asserting that they are being precluded from partaking in the ganja-growing industry based on the stringent requirements set out by the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA).

The concerns were raised at a town hall meeting held by the CLA in St Thomas recently. The meeting formed part of a series of islandwide meetings being held by the CLA to educate and consult with persons interested in obtaining a licence for partaking in the ganja industry. Attendees sat through an hour-long presentation, which informed them about the requirements and conditions for acquiring a licence.

The Montego Bay Conference Centre is set to host Jamaica's first cannabis seminar dedicated to shaping the future of the local cannabis market.

CanEx Jamaica is being billed as a unique conference that will focus on the North American, Latin American, and the Caribbean cannabis landscape with key insight for those looking to invest in and be an integral part of the burgeoning market.

It will feature an international speaker line-up and showcase state-of-the-art grow facilities, technology, branding, and political advocacy measures.

The one-day conference will also feature high-level content on the latest advances on the regulatory, legal, investment, and product-development landscape.

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is urging increased monitoring and regulating of legislation relating to the decriminalisation of marijuana as well as greater public education on the subject.

Dr. Tufton, responding to queries during a post-Sectoral Debate press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister on July 5, said this is particularly important to curb increasing levels of marijuana (or ganja) abuse among youth.

The Dangerous Drugs Act was amended in 2015 to allow changes which decriminalise the possession of up to two ounces of the substance, and also covers the use of ganja by Rastafarians as well as the importation and cultivation of ganja for research.