Antigua and Barbuda are making big moves to help redefine the cannabis culture in the Caribbean. That’s why they are deploying creative strategies in order to go after illegal growers. The nation has introduced a free six-week course designed to educate these growers on how to transition into the legal market. This initiative specifically aims to reduce illegal cultivation. It further fosters a legal industry that aligns with the region’s growing appetite for cannabis.
Cannabis culture in Jamaica is booming. Estimates indicate that more than 800,000 people consume cannabis annually, with about half of them as tourists. The EU has been relatively permissive, government driven to a degree by the cultivation of the cannabis sector. Come 2024, the Cannabis Licensing Authority has issued more than 160 licenses in eight categories. As part of that move, Jamaica has decriminalized the possession of up to two ounces of marijuana, allowing it to be further integrated into mainstream Jamaican society.
Small island developing states (SIDS) like Antigua and Barbuda are not far behind in this rapidly changing industry. The nation was initially limited to just six cannabis farms, four dispensaries, and one cannabis lounge. What really stands out is its approach. Rastafarians have received official approvals to grow cannabis plants for religious, sacramental use. This decision represents a historic movement towards acknowledging the cultural practices of cannabis use.
The Caribbean region is quickly gaining notoriety for its legally licensed cannabis cultivation operations and medicinal dispensaries. In Antigua, nine distinct strains of cannabis are now being grown at a local farm. The Medicinal Cannabis Authority isn’t shy about fostering a burgeoning, local cannabis export industry. This important initiative places our nation firmly on the path toward future growth.
According to Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, there is an urgent need for further liberalization of cannabis laws throughout the Caribbean. She asserts that “we should just make it legal but regulated,” highlighting the importance of balancing regulation with accessibility.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Robert Hill, a consultant in Antigua’s cannabis industry, points out that “it’s still more profitable to import cannabis illegally.” He emphasizes the financial burdens that legitimate businesses face compared to illegal dealers who often operate without overhead costs.
Jamaica-based cannabis entrepreneur Alexandra Chong, CEO of Jacana, feels just as strongly about the need for a positive regulatory framework. She notes that “over-regulation has strangled the industry,” arguing that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. Chong further underscores the impact of US public policy on regulations in the Caribbean. “So much US public policy gets filtered down to the Caribbean,” she says, indicating that the historical classification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug has hampered local regulatory frameworks.
American policies have the potential to greatly shape this blossoming cannabis industry in the Caribbean. Take for instance, the executive order from former President Donald Trump to reclassify cannabis as a lower-level drug, which serves as momentum. Chong expresses hope that this liberalization will act as a catalyst for deeper regional liberalization.
No wonder the University of the West Indies in Trinidad is among those launching studies to ascertain the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. This newfound academic interest stands to further accelerate the expansion of the industry. This development aligns with Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s recent formal apology to Rastafarians for past persecutions related to their cannabis use.
Regis Burton, another voice in this conversation, believes that the Caribbean has foundational strengths to support a thriving cannabis industry. He states, “We already have the legal framework in place, a prime geographical location and an international airport,” emphasizing the region’s potential as a hub for cannabis trade.