Medicinal Cannabis – St. Kitts – Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis continues to advance the development of its medicinal cannabis industry, guided by strategic planning and institutional leadership. The Board of Directors for the St. Kitts and Nevis Cannabis Industry, chaired by Mrs Jihan Williams-Knight, has been working steadily behind the scenes to ensure that the people of the Federation are positioned to benefit from participation in the global cannabis market, which is valued in the multi-billion-dollar range.
Through a combination of governance reform, legislative progress, and inclusive policy development, the country is laying the groundwork for a regulated industry that supports economic growth, public education, and long-term sustainability.
Creation of Key Board Subcommittees
At a press conference held on Friday, November 29, Mrs Williams-Knight announced the establishment of two subcommittees within the Board of Directors. These subcommittees were created to focus on critical operational and regulatory priorities within the St. Kitts and Nevis Cannabis Authority.
- Human Resources and Administration Subcommittee
- Licensing and Policy Implementation Subcommittee
Each subcommittee has been assigned specific responsibilities to ensure the Authority is prepared for effective oversight and public engagement as the industry develops.
Human Resources and Administrative Readiness
The Human Resources and Administration Subcommittee is responsible for managing the internal systems that will allow the Cannabis Authority to function successfully as a statutory body under the Cannabis Act. Its mandate includes oversight of staffing, budgeting, financing, and organizational development.
According to Mrs Williams-Knight, this subcommittee is tasked with directing strategies that support the Authority’s transition into a fully operational institution. This includes developing policies related to employment, organizational structure, strategic planning, and financial management. These foundational efforts are essential to ensuring long-term operational stability.
The Chairperson also informed the public that a fully staffed and equipped office space is expected to open in 2025, following the completion of the job application review process. Four vacancies were advertised to support the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, and the application period has now closed.
The strong response to these vacancies reflects a high level of public interest in the emerging industry. Shortlisting and selection are expected to begin soon, with the goal of filling the positions in early 2025. Once operational, the office will provide a dedicated location where members of the public can receive guidance and have their questions addressed directly.
Licensing and Policy Implementation Strategy
The Licensing and Policy Implementation Subcommittee is focused on ensuring that the rollout of the licensing system is both effective and inclusive. Its mandate includes planning the implementation of licensing policies that reflect a holistic and progressive approach to industry regulation.
Special attention is being given to the needs and interests of key stakeholder groups to ensure broad participation and equitable access to opportunities within the sector.
- Traditional farmers seeking to participate in the cannabis industry
- The Rastafari community and other cultural stakeholders
- Emerging businesses and healthcare-related interests
By incorporating these perspectives into the licensing framework, the Authority aims to empower local participants and ensure that the benefits of the industry are widely shared.
Regional Collaboration and Policy Review
To support effective licensing implementation, a local and regional policy and legislative review has been launched through the Caribbean Cannabis Forum. This initiative brings together cannabis authorities from across the region to exchange information, share research, and discuss regulatory and industry developments.
Officials from St. Kitts and Nevis have been active participants in this process, including the Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts and Nevis Cannabis Authority, Dr Garfield Alexander. In May 2024, Dr Alexander was selected as Chairperson of the Caribbean Cannabis Forum, strengthening the country’s leadership role within the regional cannabis landscape.
This appointment positions St. Kitts and Nevis to remain informed about evolving best practices and emerging trends across the Caribbean, while contributing to coordinated regional progress.
Legislative Milestones and Public Education
On November 20, 2023, amendments to the Cannabis Act were passed in the House of Parliament. These amendments granted the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Samal Duggins, the authority to further develop the long-anticipated cannabis industry in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Public engagement has also played a role in shaping perceptions of the industry. On December 29 and 30, 2023, the CannaBliss Festival was organized to address outdated views on cannabis, promote better understanding of the plant, and encourage informed dialogue about its potential uses and benefits.
An Economic and Healthcare Opportunity
The medicinal cannabis industry is being promoted as a key economic driver for St. Kitts and Nevis. Beyond its economic potential, the industry is closely linked to the advancement of healthcare practices and the country’s broader vision of becoming a sustainable island state.
Through sound governance, inclusive licensing policies, regional collaboration, and public education, St. Kitts and Nevis is positioning its medicinal cannabis industry as a responsible and forward-looking sector with long-term national benefits.