An Adjournment Motion to formulate regulations to legalise cannabis as an export crop was passed in Parliament yesterday.
Parliamentarian Diana Gamage tabled the motion.
MP Gamage said many countries use cannabis as an export crop and generate large incomes, adding it is used in other products as well, such as hemp rope.
She proposed the crop be used as an export income generating avenue and claimed that the state of California generates USD 11 billion annually through cannabis exports.
She added human-elephant conflicts will not be reported either, as elephants don’t consume cannabis plants.
The motion was seconded by Parliamentarian Shantha Bandara.
The MP said if a bill is passed in Parliament in the future to allow the cultivation of cannabis for exports, it will greatly contribute to the country’s economy.
He said the use of cannabis among the public will not be condoned, adding its use as merely an export crop will help boost the economy to generate an income.
The MP said according to existing laws Police cannot be faulted when action is taken for cannabis possession, adding a draft bill must be passed in Parliament to be made a law.
He said the subject Minister must table a draft bill in Parliament in order to be legalised as an Act.
The expenditure heads of the Ministry of Industries, the Ministry of Trade and the State Ministries of Batik, Handloom and Local Apparel Products, State Ministry of Gem and Jewellery related Industries, State Ministry of Rattan, Brass, Pottery, Furniture, and Rural Industrial Promotion and the State Ministry of Cooperative Services, Marketing Development, and Consumer Protection will be taken up for debate today.
