The University of the West Indies, Mona is to begin the controlled growing of specific strains of marijuana in an attempt to identify the DNA profiles of the plants. The initiative will provide cannabis plants which can then be tested to determine how the different strains interact with the human body, identify best practices for growing marijuana as well as develop products which may be used in the treatment of various illnesses and diseases.
 
This is one of the main outcomes which will follow from the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 between The UWI, Mona and a US-based company Citiva Jamaica LLC.  The MOU was signed by Professor Archibald McDonald, Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of The UWI, Mona Campus,   and CEO/Founder of Citiva Jamaica LLC, Mr. Josh Stanley,  one of the largest marijuana growers and dispensary owners in Colorado, USA.
 
The purpose of the MOU is to define the specific areas for fundamental academic research  and collaboration between The UWI, Mona and Citiva Jamaica LLC which will result  in the development of the medical cannabis industry in Jamaica and internationally. The aim is to identify the biological and chemical properties of Medical cannabis (or medical marijuana), with a view to determining how the plant works to treat disease or alleviate the symptoms of disease.   In this regard, The UWI, Mona will utilize its capabilities in analytical botanical chemistry and biological areas for small scale, controlled research growth, focusing on all aspects of the strain, including growing conditions and DNA sequencing.
 
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor McDonald stated that this was an important step for the University, since it followed on the granting of a licence to the institution to grow marijuana for research purposes. He noted that The UWI, Mona had always taken a lead role in marijuana research, pointing to the development of the drug Canasol, used in the treatment of glaucoma, and Asmasol, used for treating asthma, both of which had been developed within the Department of Pharmacology at Mona. The Principal added that this latest step would have a significant impact on the economy as it would result in the creation of significant employment opportunities across the island.
 
In response, Mr. Stanley indicated that his company was seeking to provide cutting edge cannabinoid based products and to establish programmes to target illnesses and diseases including childhood epilepsy, cancer, central nervous disorders and other ailments.  He remarked that marijuana-derived medication had already showed tremendous potential in the treatment of these illnesses; however long-term studies were necessary in order to determine the efficacy of the products.  He said that The UWI, Mona would facilitate the necessary research.