USVI legalizes recreational use of marijuana

The recreational and sacramental use of marijuana has been authorized for anyone 21 and older in the U.S. Virgin Islands, joining several other nations across the Caribbean that have relaxed their cannabis laws.
After several years of planning and research, Governor Mapp of the U.S. Virgin Islands signed legislation allowing for the cultivation and manufacture of marijuana. This process included officials from the Virgin Islands traveling to Colorado to meet with those already in the industry, such as cultivators, manufacturers, and law enforcement. Bryan signed the bill on Wednesday.
“We are bringing the opportunities to you,” Bryan said, “but you must also do your part to seize these opportunities.” He was referring to the cultivation, manufacture, and sale of marijuana in the U.S. territory.
Bryan said that his administration will expunge the records of those convicted of simple cannabis possession if they are eligible, adding that some 300 people in the U.S. territory of 105,000 inhabitants have been convicted in the last 20 years.
He said that it is his goal to make sure many of us who have been negatively impacted by the criminalization of cannabis are afforded every opportunity to participate in this new and legal cannabis industry, adding that the government will provide entrepreneurship and job training.
Marijuana was previously approved for medicinal use in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2019.
Those 21 and older are now allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana, a half ounce of concentrate and 1 ounce of products such as edibles for recreational, sacramental and other uses thanks to the new law.
Medical marijuana patients are allowed to possess up to 4 ounces of cannabis, 1 ounce of concentrate and 7 grams of products.
Under the new measure, cultivation permits will be awarded to those who use marijuana for religious purposes.
According to the newly approved law, dispensaries will apply a tax of at least 18% on all sales, although medical marijuana patients are exempt.
Seventy-five percent of the tax revenue will go to the general fund. Fifteen percent of that amount is earmarked for behavioral health programs, five percent to address homelessness, and five percent for youth programs.
When the regulations of the newly approved industry would be in place was not immediately clear. The Office of Cannabis Regulations, created a year ago and held public hearings last year on proposed rules and regulations, could not be immediately reached for comment.
Within a year of the promulgation of the rules and regulations, the office will start issuing applications for licenses and permits, according to the bill.
The law notes that the “closed economies” of the three islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands have limited economic opportunities for its people, “many of whom have been impacted by the prior prohibitions on cultivation, possession and sale of cannabis.” It also said it was appropriate to recognize certain cultural and sacramental uses of it.