Minister Duggins Committed to Establishing a Thriving Cannabis Industry

The newly formed Labour Administration seems to be moving forward to create a cannabis industry, with Cabinet meeting on Monday and deciding on the following:

• To review the laws decriminalizing possession and cultivation of certain quantities of marijuana in the Federation

• To initiate the long-anticipated Medical Marijuana Industry to create entrepreneurs, economic activity and to diversify the Federation’s tourism product

• To table legislation that would allow the Court to expunge the criminal records of persons convicted in the past of minor marijuana-related offences

• To table legislation that would protect the rights of cultivators

\”Citizens and residents of St. Kitts-Nevis, we will continue to keep you informed on the progress of your government,\” Minister Duggins said.

Cannabis in Saint Kitts and Nevis is illegal but decriminalized. Cannabis is grown on the islands for local consumption, previously in the mountainous interior for the most part, but more recently in abandoned sugar cane fields as well.

On February 20, 2019, the Unity Administration announced that cabinet had accepted the unanimous recommendations from the National Cannabis Commission and would introduce legislation to legalize medicinal cannabis and decriminalize recreational use for persons over the age of 18. Individuals found with under 15 grams of cannabis or growing less than 5 plants would only receive a ticket.

On May 3, 2019, High Court Judge Eddy Ventose ruled that Rastafarians and other adults over the age of 18 can use, possess, and cultivate cannabis in private and that the government has 90 days to change the cannabis laws in the country.

On July 31, 2019, a bill was passed by the National Assembly to decriminalize up to 15 grams of cannabis, punishable by $50 fine. For public use the fine was set at $1000.

In February 2020, the National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis raised the allowed amount of cannabis to 56 grams.