Basseterre, Saint Kitts, April 25, 2025 (SKNIS) – In a groundbreaking move towards improving public health, economic growth, and social justice, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis officially launched the Medicinal Cannabis Authority today, Friday, April 25, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Federation’s journey to establish a regulated, responsible, and inclusive medicinal cannabis industry.
The launch event also celebrated the official opening of the Authority’s new office located on Prince’s Street in Basseterre, symbolising a fresh chapter in national policy and healthcare access.
At the launch event, Chairperson of the Cannabis Board, Mrs. Jihan Williams-Knight, outlined the Authority’s central mandate—to create and manage safe, legal avenues of access to cannabis for adult patients over the age of 21 who suffer from health conditions that may benefit from cannabis treatment. She emphasised the Authority’s dual responsibility to promote access and education, while remaining vigilant in preventing cannabis misuse and protecting vulnerable populations.
“It is our job as the Medicinal Cannabis Authority to navigate these legal nuances, address public health concerns, and dispel negative stigmas to ensure that access to medicinal cannabis is clear, transparent, and never unreasonably denied,” Mrs. Williams-Knight stated.
Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Samal Duggins, who has direct oversight for the Medicinal Cannabis Authority, hailed the event as a bold step forward, both culturally and economically.
“We stand at a truly exciting moment, entering the global medicinal cannabis industry with the advantage of insight, experience, and readiness,” said Minister Duggins. “By learning from others, we have crafted an approach that is thoughtful, strategic, and uniquely our own.”
He also acknowledged the decades-long advocacy of the Rastafarian community, announcing a major policy step in their favour.
“Based on the Rastafari Rights Recognition Act 2023, the Authority has decided that the licensing fee for Rastas will be waived and will be completely free. This is not just the establishment of an institution—it is a commitment to fairness, respect, and historical acknowledgement,” said Minister Duggins.
The ceremony featured expressions of strong support from Acting Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, and Attorney General, Honourable Garth Wilkin, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a robust and transparent medicinal cannabis industry.
The Medicinal Cannabis Authority represents a new era of progressive policymaking—one grounded in science, community advocacy, and national development. With a regulatory framework tailored to the Federation’s unique context, Saint Kitts and Nevis is positioning itself as a leader in the Caribbean and beyond in the responsible deployment of medicinal cannabis.
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