Caribbean Cannabis Growers Eye Budding Domestic Sales and Exports
6 hours ago
By Gemma Handy, Business Reporter, St. John’s, Antigua
Antiguan cannabis grower Michaelus Tracey enthusiastically describes the unique traits of his cannabis strains. Rub the leaf and inhale the fragrance, he instructs, showcasing a plant with a musky scent, unlike the citrus aroma of another strain he holds. To the untrained eye, the various flowering cannabis crops may seem indistinguishable, but Tracey, a master cultivator, can identify them by smell and leaf shape. At Pineapple Road, a farm nestled in the countryside of Antigua, nine distinct strains flourish under the ideal tropical conditions of warmth, sunshine, and high humidity.
The Caribbean’s Cannabis Industry: Strain Development and Market Potentials
Tracey emphasizes the extensive efforts taken to develop these strains. We aimed for diverse flavor profiles and effects, all with medicinal value—some to help you relax, others to energize, alleviate pain, or reduce anxiety.
The Progress of Cannabis Legalization
– Jamaica decriminalized recreational cannabis use and legalized its medical production a decade ago.
– Antigua and Barbuda followed suit in 2018, joining several other Caribbean nations in embracing cannabis culture, which is deeply rooted in the region’s history.
While smoking cannabis is a popular aspect of Caribbean culture, the region’s potential as a leader in the cannabis industry remains relatively unexplored. Currently, numerous legally registered cannabis farms and medicinal dispensaries operate across the Caribbean, allowing locals and tourists with valid medical authorizations access to cannabis products.
Calls for Further Liberalization
Despite this progress, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, a cannabis industry expert in the Caribbean, advocates for a more relaxed legal framework. Decriminalization isn’t enough, she asserts, suggesting that full legalization with regulation would be more beneficial. Antoine, who leads a research initiative at the University of the West Indies, highlights the vast potential of cannabis research—for applications ranging from easing cancer treatment side effects to enhancing agricultural practices.
The Caribbean is a pioneer in cannabis strains and knowledge with a rich history, but legal hurdles and the ‘war on drugs’ have held back industry growth and research, points out Antoine.
Potential U.S. Policy Changes and Caribbean Prospects
There is optimism that changes in U.S. cannabis policy under President Trump’s administration, specifically the reclassification of cannabis to a lower-level drug, may positively impact the Caribbean market. Alexandra Chong, CEO of Jamaica-based Jacana, notes, This is a significant milestone. U.S. public policy influences the Caribbean heavily.
Chong explains that cannabis being categorized as a disturbing Schedule I drug hindered Caribbean regulatory bodies from being more proactive with cannabis legislation. The shift to a Schedule III classification, akin to certain pain medications, opens the door for Caribbean nations to explore the possibility of exporting cannabis to the U.S. for recreational use.
The Challenges of Legal Sale and Export
However, the current Federal law still prohibits cannabis importation into the U.S., despite legalization in 24 states. Both Jamaica and Antigua are eager to establish legal export channels. Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority has initiated measures to facilitate licensed exports, while Antigua and Barbuda’s Medicinal Cannabis Authority is diligently working to develop a viable cannabis export industry.
Regis Burton, CEO of Antigua’s Medicinal Cannabis Authority, asserts, We already have the legal framework, an excellent geographical location, and an international airport. He expresses confidence that Antiguan cannabis will find its place in international markets, partly due to the unique branding as Antiguan cannabis.
Addressing the Domestic Market and Illicit Competition
Domestically, high operational costs and regulations that restrict cannabis sales to those with medical approvals allow illegal markets to thrive. Jacana estimates over 800,000 annual cannabis users in Jamaica, about half being tourists. Alarmingly, 90% of the approximately 87 tonnes consumed annually finds its way through illicit channels.
Chong warns that over-regulation has strangled the industry, resulting in many licenses issued by the Cannabis Licensing Authority remaining inactive. In Antigua, consultant Robert Hill highlights that illegal importation of cannabis is often more profitable than operating legally, with just six licensed farms and a handful of dispensaries currently active on the island.
Innovative Strategies to Combat Illegal Trade
In a novel approach, Antigua has opted for education over prosecution, inviting illegal growers to participate in free courses aimed at legal market entry. Twenty-two have graduated already, with two nearly transitioning to a medicinal business, Burton shares. The industry won’t succeed if the illicit market is allowed to operate unchecked.
Meanwhile, significant advancements in social justice have emerged, particularly for the Rastafarian community. In 2018, Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne formally apologized for the historic persecution they faced regarding cannabis use. Today, Rastafarians are authorized to cultivate cannabis for sacramental purposes, and recent plans are underway to expunge criminal records for small possession cases.
Conclusion: The Future of the Caribbean Cannabis Industry
High Priest Selah from Antigua’s Rastafarian community recalls the challenges of the past. The police were always coming, locking us up and destroying our plants, he laments, acknowledging the long-fought battle for cannabis legalization. At Pineapple Road, employees expertly roll joints for the dispensary, showcasing the region’s potential for a flourishing cannabis industry that prioritizes wellness and local cultivation.
Hill believes the Caribbean can compete on the global stage: Our climate offers reduced costs. It’s not about becoming another Amsterdam; it’s about promoting health and wellness. As Caribbean cannabis growers continue to cultivate both their crops and their industry, the future holds promising avenues for domestic sales and international exports.