Gov't exploring medical marijuana as 'revenue generator'- Dr Pickering
Marijuana possession in the Virgin Islands is considered a criminal offence punishable upon conviction by a prison term of up to three years and a fine of up to $100,000.
Although marijuana is illegal in a number of countries, the possession and cultivation of marijuana in small amounts have been de-criminalised in many countries.
Marijuana as a "revenue generator"
During the HoA, Dr Pickering stated during a question about what plans the government has for agriculture said government is exploring medical marijuana as a “revenue generator” for the agriculture sector.
He explained, “We know that in the BVI there is a vast array of bush medicine. The time is now right for us to explore these opportunities and develop this sector of our agriculture business industry and this includes exploration into the opportunities that exist in the production and the distribution of medical marijuana.”
In response, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), Opposition Leader and First District Representative, posed a follow up question asking the Deputy Premier to tell the House if there will be policies and regulations coming soon as well as exactly when will it be approved.
“Now that we are going to grow marijuana for medical purposes, could the minister say whether there will be policies and regulations coming soon with the Ministry of Health to approve this? And if so, is it going to be this year or next year. Also, what licenses will be needed to grow the marijuana?” questioned Hon Fahie.
No decision made on medical marijuana
Dr Pickering, responding firmly, indicated that he, along with his government, has not made any type of decision about legalising or regulating the use of medical marijuana in the territory.
He explained, “The issue is a very current topic and based on what is taking place in the general region, there is a rush by several Caribbean countries to get in on the economics of producing cannabis for export especially to Canada. Also, the economics of it dictate that we should be mindful of it and look into the possibilities.”
The Agriculture Minister emphasised that it is not the government’s position or their interest to produce medical marijuana, adding that it is a business like any other business and a proposal put forward to the government must be looked at.
“If it is the government’s intention that it might be a business worth embarking on by allowing others to invest in it, then there is a long road ahead to put a legislative framework in place,” expressed Dr Pickering.
Calls for legislation amendment
In the past, Doug Wheatley, talk show host, and even Minster for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL) have spoken out against incarcerating persons for marijuana use.
It was on December 14, 2017 in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly when Hon Walwyn called for the VI drug laws to be amended so persons would not be imprisoned for small quantities of marijuana.
According to him, too many young men in the VI were being jailed for tiny amounts of weed, noting that throwing persons in jail for simple drug offences placed them at risk of getting involved in future crimes.
Doug Wheatley during a ‘Speak out BVI’ talk show said, “I think we need to stop putting people in jail for marijuana. We don’t need to do that because we understand it has been said over and repeated times that marijuana is not a drug and we should not be locking up people for smoking.”
Sharing the same sentiments, Jamaican attorney and substitute magistrate, Mr Richard G. Rowe expressed that the use of marijuana should not be a criminal act in the VI.
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27 Responses to “Gov't exploring medical marijuana as 'revenue generator'- Dr Pickering”
Ayo better do this thing right. Messon.
When he goes to the sticket next year with his usual hype and do-nothing nonsense, I believe he will be in for a surprise.