For those who are 21 years of age and older, the US Virgin Islands (USVI) have legalized marijuana for both recreational and sacramental use, following other socially conservative Caribbean countries that have already loosened their cannabis regulations.
Before Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed the measure on Wednesday, USVI officials traveled to Colorado to meet with growers, producers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to get insight into the sector. The decision had been made over a number of years.
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Regarding the production, distribution, and sale of marijuana within US borders, Bryan remarked, “We are bringing the opportunities to you, but you must also do your part to seize these opportunities.”
According to Bryan, 300 persons in the US territory with 105,000 residents have been convicted in the past 20 years for basic cannabis possession. If they are qualified, his administration will have their records expunged.
He said, “It is my goal to make sure many of us who have been negatively impacted by the criminalization of cannabis are afforded every opportunity to participate in this new and legal cannabis industry,” adding that the government will offer entrepreneurship and employment training.
Prior to 2019, the US Virgin Islands permitted the medical use of marijuana.
The new legislation permits persons who are 21 or older to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, a half-ounce of concentrate, and one ounce of goods like edibles for recreational, sacramental, and other uses.
Patients who use medical marijuana may have up to four ounces of cannabis, one ounce of concentrate, and two ounces of products.
The new law will grant those who use marijuana for sacramental purposes growing licenses.
While medicinal marijuana users are exempt under the recently adopted law, dispensaries will charge a tax of at least 18% on all sales.
The general fund will receive 3/4 of the tax money. 15 percent of the sum will go toward programs promoting behavioral health, 5 percent will be used to address homelessness, and 5 percent will go toward juvenile initiatives.
It was unclear when the rules for the recently authorized industry would go into effect. The Office of Cannabis Regulations, which was established a year ago and had public hearings on suggested rules and regulations the previous year, could not be reached right away for comment.
