Puro New Zealand hosted a high-level delegation from Vanuatu at its Marlborough cultivation facility this week, including the country’s prime minister Charlot Salwai.
Joining him and Marie-Justine Salwai were Vanuatu’s minister of lands and natural resources, director of foreign affairs, and the high commissioner among other dignitaries.
Puro said the visit comes at a pivotal time for Vanuatu, as the nation looks to diversify its economy and explore new revenue streams, and marks a “significant milestone in fostering international collaboration and exploring the potential of the medicinal cannabis industry”.
Last year, the Vanuatu government signed off on regulations making it legal to cultivate medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp for export.
While the sector is in its nascent stages, Puro said its leaders are keen to learn from countries like New Zealand that have established regulatory frameworks and successful industry practices.
During the visit, Puro shared insights into the regulatory environment in New Zealand, including the processes for obtaining licences and the stringent conditions that ensure the quality and safety of medicinal cannabis products.
Co-founder and cultivation director Tom Forrest and the Puro team also provided an overview of the economic opportunities in the industry, from cultivation and processing to product development and exports.
He said: “It was our pleasure to host the honourable prime minister Charlot Salwai and Mrs Marie-Justine Salwai, alongside the Vanuatu delegation. We were proud to share lessons of the Puro journey, showcase our flowers and medicinal products, and discuss the potential opportunities for the Asia-Pacific cannabis sector.”
Puro added such insights were “crucial for Vanuatu as it seeks to understand the economic value that the medicinal cannabis sector could bring to its economy, alongside its existing exports of kava and copra (coconut)”.
Key discussions centred around the benefits of establishing a local cannabis industry in Vanuatu, including the potential for agricultural development, the creation of ancillary industries, and the medicinal efficacy of the plant.
The delegation explored leading cannabis products from Helius Therapeutics and Heyday medical, and discussed novel modern delivery methods and the options available in the global market.
The visit also provided an opportunity to reflect on the roles that ni-Van RSE (recognised seasonal employer) workers have played at Puro farms in past seasons, whose contributions the cultivator described as “invaluable”.
“The experience gained could be instrumental in helping Vanuatu develop its own cannabis industry,” the company added.
“We look forward to exploring avenues for collaboration and providing ongoing support to help Vanuatu realise the full potential of this emerging sector.”
