The Fijian government is considering the development of a medical cannabis industry following strong public support revealed in a recent national consultation. Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development Esrom Immanuel announced that 75 percent of those surveyed favored exploring cannabis-based medical products.

The initiative comes after extensive consultations conducted by the Nutraceutical and Medicinal Cannabis Task Force, which held 17 meetings throughout Fiji. These meetings involved 518 participants as well as representatives from 12 government agencies, aiming to gather a broad range of perspectives on the potential benefits and challenges of the industry.

Minister Immanuel emphasized that the feedback collected will guide the government in evaluating the viability of establishing a regulated medical cannabis sector. He noted that the government intends to ensure appropriate frameworks and systems are in place should it decide to move forward.

This move aligns with broader global trends where several countries have begun regulating cannabis-based products for medical use. Fiji’s exploration of the sector reflects growing interest in leveraging cannabis for its potential therapeutic applications, as well as the economic opportunities it may present. The government’s approach underscores its commitment to consulting widely and carefully assessing the potential impact before implementing policy changes.