MEDIA RELEASE: “Cabinet rejected proposal to cultivate hemp in Tonga”

( 19 November, 2019)

“Cabinet rejected the proposal from the Brown Group to cultivate hemp in Tonga”

The Cabinet on the 30th of October 2019 rescinded its decision of 17th October 2019. As a result of this decision, the Government ended further involvement in any public consultation on this issue. The final decision was reached after Cabinet received a report from its Cabinet Sub-Committee that was set up to look into this important issue.

The report submitted by the Cabinet Sub-Committee reiterated that hemp is an illicit substance and it is banned by law, in Tonga. The Committee also noted the high risk that the current drug related problems will escalate if the project is allowed. The Cabinet fully endorsed the Sub-Committee’s findings.

The Cabinet would like to reassure the people of Tonga that it has rejected the business proposal from the Brown Group on 30 October 2019, and this will be the end of it.

-ENDS-

Issued by the: The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel: (676) 24 644 /24615 Fax: (676) 23 888; For media enquiries– Email: pressroom@pmo.gov.to Website: www.pmo.gov.to