Ganja: "Granted, But Not Issued, Cannabis Authority says 5 given go-ahead

Licences for Ganja have been granted but not issued, the Cannabis Licensing Authority says in its latest release. 

In a statement from Hyacinth Lightbourne, Chairman of the CLA she discloses. “There are five licences which have been granted, but not yet issued. There are a few steps involved in the issuing of the licences and the applicants are currently close to getting them, until then, for confidentiality reasons we are unable to disclose who they are.” There has been disclosure however, that the licences are for three Tier 1 Cultivators, a Tier 1 Processor, and a retailer, showing that the smallest category of operators have been the first ones out the gate"

The CLA rationalizes its excess of caution thus:

The reputation Jamaica has for ganja however, goes beyond the quality of the crop, to include the illicit drugs for gun trade that exists. If Jamaica is to have any real opportunity in the business of ganja, there must first be evidence of the ability to maintain a responsible industry. What is of importance to trading nations, is that they collaborate with jurisdictions that are respectful of the United Nations treaties and frame and manage the regulation of their industry in accordance with its guidelines.