Vanuatu is looking to leverage New Zealand’s expertise in medicinal cannabis production to boost its own emerging market. Despite being named the happiest place on earth twice by the Happy Planet Index, Vanuatu faces significant challenges, including political instability and climate vulnerability.
During an official visit to New Zealand this week, Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Charlot Salwai toured Puro’s state-of-the-art cannabis cultivation facility in Kēkerengū. Vanuatu legalized medicinal cannabis in 2018, but progress has been slow. Salwai is keen to accelerate the industry’s development to support the nation’s economy.
Salwai noted that marijuana grows easily across Vanuatu, but emphasized the importance of cultivating the right strains in compliance with legislation. He expressed interest in collaborating with New Zealand experts to conduct small-scale tests comparing the quality of cannabis grown in both countries.
“We invite them to come to Vanuatu and do a small-scale test to see and compare the quality,” Salwai said. He highlighted that while New Zealand’s cannabis is seasonal, Vanuatu’s climate allows for year-round cultivation, which could be a significant advantage.
Vanuatu is considering granting production licenses to those with expertise in medicinal cannabis, aiming to develop a sustainable and compliant industry.
