Commonwealth_ On Golba Hill, nestled on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), rows of premium marijuana plants shimmer under the tropical sun, radiating a golden-green hue. The plants lead to a modest hut where Bobbis Matthews, a dedicated cannabis farmer, spends his days meticulously tending to his crop. For Matthews and many others like him, these plants represent far more than an income source; they symbolize resilience, culture, and a promising new era for the island.
During a routine inspection, Matthews carefully removed male plants to ensure the potency of his harvest. Reflecting on his journey, he recounted a time when cultivating cannabis in a residential area was unimaginable. For decades, farmers like him were forced to hide their illegal crops deep in the mountains, living in constant fear of US-backed antinarcotics operations that routinely destroyed millions of dollars’ worth of cannabis.
“It was hard!” Matthews recalled. “At least three times a year, US helicopters would come and tear down the crop. Back then, even saying the word marijuana could get you arrested.”
Songs like “Helicopter,” often sung by Matthews and his cousin Erasto Robertson, immortalize the fear and anxiety of those years. Robertson, a fellow Rastafarian farmer and conservationist, described the song as a testament to the panic that engulfed communities whenever they heard helicopters overhead.
Despite the challenges, Rastafarian farmers maintained their connection to the plant, which they revered as sacred. For them, cannabis was more than just an economic asset; it was a spiritual gift with profound medicinal properties. Long before science began to validate its therapeutic potential, Rastafarian communities used cannabis to treat ailments like pain, asthma, and epilepsy while also incorporating it into their religious practices.
A Transformational Shift
In December 2018, SVG’s government took a bold step, offering amnesty to traditional cannabis farmers and passing laws to decriminalize its use. The move aimed to support local growers, promote the plant’s benefits, and establish a regulated medicinal marijuana industry. As part of these reforms, farmers can now obtain a free cultivation license with a subsidized application fee of $100 Eastern Caribbean dollars (£28.95). Moreover, companies producing cannabis products on the island are required to source at least 10% of their plants from traditional farmers.
Today, residents can legally possess up to 56 grams of cannabis, though restrictions on public use remain. The government’s efforts aim to dismantle lingering stigma and position SVG as a leader in the global cannabis trade.
Dr. Thompson, an infectious disease and immunology expert, is a staunch advocate of SVG’s burgeoning medicinal cannabis industry. He believes the island has a unique opportunity to carve a niche in the rapidly growing global market, which is projected to reach $58 billion in sales by 2028.
Challenges in the Global Market
Despite the promising outlook, SVG faces significant challenges in competing with wealthier nations like Canada, which reported a record C$5.2 billion in legal cannabis sales in 2023. Strict international trade regulations, lingering societal stigma, and the global patchwork of cannabis laws make exporting products particularly difficult for smaller nations. Additionally, SVG’s vulnerability to natural disasters adds another layer of complexity. In 2021, the La Soufrière volcano erupted, devastating the island’s agricultural landscape. Volcanic ash buried cannabis fields, along with most of the island’s crops.
Resilience and hope
Despite these obstacles, farmers like Matthews and Robertson remain optimistic. For them, the transition from hidden mountain fields to government-supported cultivation is a victory in itself. They continue to work toward a future where cannabis not only sustains their livelihoods but also enhances the island’s economy and global standing. SVG’s approach to medicinal cannabis reflects a broader Caribbean trend of embracing the plant’s potential while honoring its cultural significance. By merging traditional knowledge with modern science, the island is establishing a robust and sustainable industry that can withstand both economic and natural challenges. For Matthews, every thriving cannabis plant on Golba Hill is a testament to the progress made and the promise of what’s to come. “This plant has always been a gift,” he said. “Now, the world is finally starting to see it.”
