RE:RE:RE:Jamaican population & tourismI flew got back from Jamaica last night and boy are my... no seriously, I just got back last night..
As such, I was particularily touched by Canopy's Jamaica announcement this morning in honour of my return.
Betty's Musings:
I have no doubt that the Jamaican Govt understands full well that a significant proportion of those 2.5 millions people go there to smoke weed (and spend time w loved ones :-).
The weed market there is run by the gangs. And they have huge gang problems and gang violence.
One has to think that the Jamaican Govt would be pursuing the same goals as the Trudeau govt. Eradicate the black market, tax it and regulate it. And sell it to the Tourists. It would be a huge opportunity for the tourist industry there which accounts for roughly 30% of their GDP.
Their weed is ok. It gets you where you need to go, but it pales in comparision to the WEED delivered to me by the good ppl of Cdn Post. It has seeds in it, is pressed & is wrapped in celophane. And it is everywhere... i was offered weed in the parking lot of Mo Bay airport (no thank you, i don't care for illegal dealings on federal soil..)
People at the resort that I was at (Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton - quite nice btw) were burning joints near the pool. And no one said a word. As one of the staff explained: " if da Popo sees you w a big spliff man, no problem!"
In the tourist traps, you see almost nothing but Bob Marley. However, when there is one exception. SNOOP LION (DOGG). He is everywhere. Not Bob Marley everywhere, but everywhere. That, in my mind, bodes very well for WEED and more specifically Leafs by Snoop. (Tilray has a deal with the Marley family, so they would undoubtedly have a leg up on us.)
I think the real opportunity however is the exposure to the international market that our brand(s) would receive. The Jamaican's are keenly aware of the value of their brands and branding in general. WEED won't face nearly the advertising restrictions there that they do in Canada. The potential for international brand building is huge as the Europeans now are really starting to head to the Carribean as they are less likely to be terrorist bombed there than say the South of France..
Last of my musings. I find it interesting that at the bottom of an NR regarding DNA (who I love btw) is a small non descript sentence about possibly one of the bigger weed markets in the world. I assumed it was bc DNA had a relationship w Jamaica but a cursory internet search didn't reveal too much. Why such a small mention? Why at the bottom of a seemingly unrelated NR? Inquiring minds want to know.
Good to be back home. Was sad to be away from our country when Gordie died. Tough day for Cdn.
"Be good to each other" - Gord Downie.
Jamaican Betty Humpter,