In a unanimous decision, it was decided on August 12 that medical cannabis regulations would be posted publicly for 30 days. During this time, the public can voice their opinions and concerns about the proposal. An in-person meeting on August 31 will be held for the same purpose.
The current draft outlines that licenses will become available over the next three months. Licenses will be across various categories. Cultivation licenses will be available starting October 3. Research and development licenses on October 26, and manufacturing licenses on December 5. Finally, full dispensary licenses will roll out last beginning December 27.
But these licenses are limited, with each district of the territory having a set number available. These range from eight to one, as per the current proposal. Local businesses will be awarded licenses based on merit as of now.
The Virgin Islands Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act is what started this long journey back in January 2019. Signed into law by Governor Albert Bryan (D), it provided a $500,000 loan from the territory’s general fund to start the medical cannabis program. expected to have regulations in place by the end of 2019, the program has faced many challenges to this point. Many of the timelines released earlier have come and gone. Chairwoman Catherine Kean stated that the most recent one remains unfinalized as well.
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"Cultivation licenses available in October"