Commonwealth _ In a significant development, the stalled marijuana law in the US Virgin Islands received a significant push forward on Tuesday. An advisory board approved a comprehensive list of proposed rules and regulations aimed at governing the recreational use of cannabis within the territory. This pivotal vote by the board marks a crucial step towards implementing a law that was approved over a year ago, signaling a milestone in the journey towards legalizing recreational marijuana across the three islands.
The upcoming 30-day public comment period on the proposed regulations and rules is poised to engage the community in shaping the framework for recreational cannabis use. Dr. Catherine Kean, chairperson of the advisory board, expressed the collective anticipation, stating, “We have been waiting a very long time for this.” This sentiment reflects the widespread enthusiasm for progress in this long-awaited endeavor.
Additionally, the board is actively finalizing a list of individuals deemed eligible for expungement of their criminal records related to simple cannabis possession, as authorized by the law. Positive Nelson, a board member, indicated that this list will soon be shared with legislators, the island’s Supreme Court, and other stakeholders, underscoring efforts towards social justice and equity in the implementation of cannabis legislation. Highlighting the impact of past policies, it was revealed that approximately 300 individuals in the US Virgin Islands have been convicted of simple marijuana possession over the past two decades, emphasizing the need for reform and amnesty measures.
Moreover, the board is in the process of establishing a registration system, with provisions for individuals using cannabis for medicinal or sacramental purposes expected to gain access by April. Hannah Carty, the board’s executive director, outlined the registration fees, indicating that religious and faith organizations will be required to pay $200 every two years, while medical practitioners will be charged $250. Businesses seeking to participate in the cannabis industry are set to register by June or July, with the completion of a recent request-for-proposal process for seed-to-sale operations. However, licenses for cultivation and manufacturing are projected to be granted towards the end of the year, reflecting the intricate regulatory process involved.
Acknowledging the complexity of the endeavor, Carty emphasized, “A lot of things are not within our control,” underscoring the challenges inherent in navigating the path towards legalization and regulation. Notably, while the US territory previously approved marijuana for medicinal use in 2019, the legalization of recreational use encountered setbacks, including issues with the bill’s wording and insufficient membership in the cannabis advisory board. The law permits adults aged 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, along with a half-ounce of cannabis concentrate and one ounce of cannabis-infused products for recreational, sacramental, and other purposes. Medical marijuana patients are allowed larger possession limits, including up to four ounces of cannabis, one ounce of concentrate, and two ounces of infused products.
Furthermore, a minimum 18% tax will be applied to all dispensary sales, with exemptions for medical marijuana patients. The tax revenue is earmarked to contribute to various societal needs, including behavioral health programs, homelessness initiatives, and youth programs, reflecting a commitment to utilizing cannabis revenue for social welfare. Amidst deliberations, board member Positive Nelson humorously inquired about the issuance of marijuana patient cards, eliciting smiles from fellow members. Carty clarified that patients would receive digital IDs, underscoring the incorporation of modern technology into the regulatory framework.
The US Virgin Islands joins other Caribbean nations in relaxing marijuana laws, aligning with evolving attitudes towards cannabis regulation in the region. Notably, Antigua has decriminalized marijuana use for the general public, Jamaica has decriminalized small amounts of marijuana, and the Bahamas is currently considering bills to legalize medical and religious cannabis use while decriminalizing possession of small amounts.
