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WQ.319/2021
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE
MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM, SPORT AND CULTURE BY THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. MARTIN
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 21st JUNE 2021
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 28th JUNE 2021
Question
With regards to the licensing conditions associated with the cultivation and processing of medicinal cannabis on Island, will the Minister advise –
- what consideration has been given to the use of increased public consultation for Islanders living near selected sites for the cultivation of medicinal cannabis;
- what steps will be taken by the Government of Jersey, whether individually or in conjunction with organisations involved in the commercial cultivation of medicinal cannabis, to alleviate the concerns of Islanders in close proximity to these sites; and
- what guidance has been sought by the Government of Jersey from the U.K.'s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding the use of Environmental Impact Assessments as a condition of licensing?
Answer
- Licensing conditions for medicinal cannabis sit solely with the Minister for Health and Social Services and do not fall under the responsibility of the Economic Development Minister.
It should also be noted that formal considerations and consultation relating to siting of medicinal cannabis facilities fall within the planning process. This process is robust and provides for adequate consultation with neighbours on developments that require planning permission. Considerations that would trigger the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment are detailed in the Planning and Building (Environmental Impact) (Jersey) Order 2006.
There is currently only one glasshouse site actively being prepared for cultivation and it is important to note that the use of agricultural land to grow different crops, including medicinal cannabis on this site is not a material change of use and so EIAs are unlikely to be required by the planning application process. However, ongoing associated industrial process may well require an EIA. There is also a framework of existing planning policies within the Island Plan which address proposals for new agricultural buildings.
- Government officials will work closely with the Jersey Cannabis Services Advisory Group, the industry body representing the cannabis industry, to encourage best practice and positive engagement in the context of liaison with neighbours in close proximity to sites involved in the commercial cultivation of medicinal cannabis.
- Licensing conditions for medicinal cannabis sits solely with the Minister for Health and Social Services and do not fall under the responsibility of the Economic Development Minister.
Guidance on licensing has been taken from the UK Government via the UK Home Office's Drugs and Firearms Licensing Unit