Launch of Medicinal Cannabis Authority in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Introduction

Basseterre, Saint Kitts – In a groundbreaking move towards improving public health, economic growth, and social justice, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis officially launched the Medicinal Cannabis Authority today, Friday, April 25, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Federation’s journey to establish a regulated, responsible, and inclusive medicinal cannabis industry.

The Launch Event

The launch event also celebrated the official opening of the Authority’s new office located on Prince’s Street in Basseterre, symbolising a fresh chapter in national policy and healthcare access.

Mission and Objectives

At the launch event, Chairperson of the Cannabis Board, Mrs. Jihan Williams-Knight, outlined the Authority’s central mandate—to create and manage safe, legal avenues of access to cannabis for adult patients over the age of 21 who suffer from health conditions that may benefit from cannabis treatment. She emphasised the Authority’s dual responsibility to promote access and education, while remaining vigilant in preventing cannabis misuse and protecting vulnerable populations.

“It is our job as the Medicinal Cannabis Authority to navigate these legal nuances, address public health concerns, and dispel negative stigmas to ensure that access to medicinal cannabis is clear, transparent, and never unreasonably denied,” Mrs. Williams-Knight stated.

Government Support

Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Samal Duggins, who has direct oversight for the Medicinal Cannabis Authority, hailed the event as a bold step forward, both culturally and economically.

“We stand at a truly exciting moment, entering the global medicinal cannabis industry with the advantage of insight, experience, and readiness,” said Minister Duggins. “By learning from others, we have crafted an approach that is thoughtful, strategic, and uniquely our own.”

He also acknowledged the decades-long advocacy of the Rastafarian community, announcing a major policy step in their favour.

“Based on the Rastafari Rights Recognition Act 2023, the Authority has decided that the licensing fee for Rastas will be waived and will be completely free. This is not just the establishment of an institution—it is a commitment to fairness, respect, and historical acknowledgement,” said Minister Duggins.

Conclusion

The Medicinal Cannabis Authority represents a new era of progressive policymaking—one grounded in science, community advocacy, and national development. With a regulatory framework tailored to the Federation’s unique context, Saint Kitts and Nevis is positioning itself as a leader in the Caribbean and beyond in the responsible deployment of medicinal cannabis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Medicinal Cannabis Authority?

The Medicinal Cannabis Authority is a regulatory body established by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis to oversee the medicinal cannabis industry in the Federation.

What are the objectives of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority?

The Authority’s objectives include creating and managing safe, legal avenues of access to cannabis for adult patients, promoting access and education, and preventing cannabis misuse and protecting vulnerable populations.

Who is eligible to access medicinal cannabis?

Adult patients over the age of 21 who suffer from health conditions that may benefit from cannabis treatment are eligible to access medicinal cannabis.

What is the Rastafari Rights Recognition Act 2023?

The Rastafari Rights Recognition Act 2023 is a policy that acknowledges the decades-long advocacy of the Rastafarian community and provides for the waiver of licensing fees for Rastas.