Saint Lucia Cannabis Commission Officially launched

Saint Lucia Cannabis Commission Officially launched

With the tide changing toward the decriminalization and regulation of cannabis by regional and international counterparts, Saint Lucia launched its Cannabis Commission on Nov. 22. 2019. Spearheading the initiative is Minister for Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs, Hon. Bradly Felix, who said that government is committed to reviewing the laws surrounding cannabis to ensure that a balanced and holistic approach is taken.

The Cannabis Commission will consult and advise the Government of Saint Lucia on a number of issues fundamental to the design of a new legislative and regulatory framework for restricted cannabis use, including but not limited to the following:

1. Protect Saint Lucians by keeping cannabis out of the hands of children and youth.
2. Keep profits out of the hands of organized crime, particularly gang-related.
3. Reduce the burdens on the justice system associated with simple possession of cannabis offences.
4. Prevent Saint Lucians from entering the criminal justice system and receiving criminal records for simple possession of cannabis offences.
5. Protect public health and safety by strengthening laws and enforcement measures that deter and punish more serious cannabis offences particularly selling and distributing to children and youth, selling outside the regulatory framework and driving under the influence of cannabis.
6. Ensure Saint Lucians are well-informed and provide appropriate public health campaigns for youth in particular to understand the risks involved in cannabis use.
7. Establish a system of strict production, distribution and sales, taking a public health approach, with regulation of quality and safety, restriction of access and application of taxes with support for treatment, mental health and education programs.
8. Provide access to quality-controlled cannabis for medical and scientific purposes.

The commission is chaired by Attorney at Law, Michael Gordon, QC and contains members from the following agencies and organizations.

• Attorney General
• Invest Saint Lucia
• Ministry of Commerce
• Ministry of Agriculture
• Ministry of Health
• Ministry of Home Affairs
• Ministry of Equity
• Cannabis Movement
• Leader of the Opposition
• National Youth Council
• St. Lucia Christian Council
• Iyanola Council for the Advancement of Rastafari

Beginning the week of November 25, the commission will glean public information via public consultations island wide on the way forward. The commission is mandated to provide a report to the Government of Saint Lucia before the end of the year.

Please see the Community Consultation Meetings Schedule below: