A recent symposium in Dominica discussed the framework for the establishment of a regulated and sustainable medicinal cannabis industry for the country.
Dominica is a Caribbean island nation, part of the Windward Islands chain in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. With a population of around 66,500, its economy relies heavily on agriculture — the production of bananas, coffee, patchouli, aloe vera, cut flowers, and exotic fruits.
Perhaps medical cannabis will also play a role in the country’s prosperity in the future, while providing health benefits for its people. While the country has decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis it has not yet legalised it for medicinal purposes.
In 2022, the Dominican Government appointed a National Task Force to review existing legislation and develop a regulatory framework for the controlled distribution of cannabis and its by-products.
In last year’s Budget for 2024/25, the Government said it remained committed to the development of comprehensive legislation allowing for safe access to cannabis products for medicinal and therapeutic use, creating economic opportunities for growers and processors.
This year, the Government of Dominica officially launched the National Cannabis Advisory Committee, which held its inaugural meeting in April. The Committee is also charged with the task of developing a National Road Map for a local cannabis industry.
In the symposium held last week, organised by the Advisory Committee, national, regional and international stakeholders gathered to discuss the framework; the goal being to transition cannabis into a well-regulated, inclusive and economically viable sector that contributes to agricultural diversification and job creation.
Among those attending and speaking the symposium was Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Dr. Irving McIntyre.
“Across the Caribbean, our neighbours are moving decisively,” he stated in his speech, as reported by Dominica Online. “Jamaica, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Antigua & Barbuda, and others have legalized or decriminalized cannabis and established licensing regimes … the time for Dominica is now.”
A shorter term goal is to establish a National Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
“This body will provide long-term oversight and ensure that Dominica remains a trusted, respected and competitive player in the international cannabis realm,” Dr. McIntyre stated.
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