The government of Antigua and Barbuda has reiterated its intention to shape a medical cannabis sector based on local empowerment, careful regulation and cultural respect. During a dialogue between stakeholders organised by the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) , officials presented a new roadmap for the development of medical cannabis on the island .
Addressing industry stakeholders, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin stressed that the administration's objective was to redirect the profits of this industry towards people who have historically been sidelined by foreign investors.
"I want to make it clear that my government [...] is fully committed to ensuring that the economic benefits of this industry benefit the people of Antigua and Barbuda as a whole, and not just land investors," he said, urging participants to "make sure their share of the pie is substantial."
This change comes as authorities acknowledge that previous economic initiatives in the country often concentrated profits in the hands of large operators. The government now intends to ensure that this trend "comes to an end," with the new regulatory framework for cannabis serving as a corrective model.
Read more at News Weed
