Licensed cannabis cultivation could begin in the Virgin Islands within weeks, while at least two dispensaries may be ready to open before the end of 2026, Office of Cannabis Regulation Executive Director Joanne Moorehead told lawmakers Friday. Photo: VIC

The update came during OCR’s fiscal year 2027 budget hearing before the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance, where lawmakers pressed the agency over the pace of implementation and questioned whether its fees are sufficient to make the industry financially self-supporting.

Moorehead said OCR continues working toward a marketplace “capable of withstanding scrutiny” and described its broader objective as creating a “safe, transparent, and increasingly self-sustaining regulatory program.”

She said the office has been studying the experiences of other jurisdictions as it develops the Virgin Islands system.

Cultivation Could Begin Within Weeks

Sen. Novelle Francis Jr. acknowledged OCR’s “preparatory work” but questioned when residents and the government would begin seeing tangible results from the cannabis legislation already enacted.

“At what point will there be a level of engagement to start to see the effects regarding that legislation that have been put in place?” he asked.

“The OCR is working very hard, and we think that there should be some licensed businesses open before the end of this year,” Moorehead replied.

She cautioned that not every business holding a conditional license will be prepared to begin operating this year.

Moorehead said some licensed cultivation should begin “within, actually probably a matter of weeks, and we should have some dispensary, a dispensary or two, before the end of the year.”

Testing Laboratory Remains Critical

Despite the progress, Moorehead said commercial cannabis sales cannot responsibly begin until the territory has a functioning laboratory capable of testing products.

OCR is working to establish a facility “capable of verifying potency, screening for contaminants, and ensuring that products offered to consumers meet established health and safety standards.”

A vendor has already been selected, but Moorehead said: “Delays associated with securing an appropriate facility have required continued coordination among OCR, the laboratory, and other stakeholders.”

Francis Presses OCR on Pace of Implementation

Francis questioned whether the process was moving quickly enough, particularly given the potential revenue the cannabis industry could generate.

“I know that this train has already left the station, and I want to make sure that we're able to collect some type of revenues on this,” he said.

Moorehead defended the deliberate approach taken since she assumed leadership of OCR approximately two years ago.

She said the office had examined jurisdictions that “rushed to issue licenses and allowed businesses to open when all of the facilities and infrastructure were not put in place.”

OCR Owes About $297,000 to Two Vendors

Sen. Kurt Vialet focused on whether OCR is generating enough money to support its operations and meet its obligations.

Moorehead said the office owes approximately $297,000 to two vendors: Tyler Technologies and Metrc.

Tyler Technologies provides OCR’s licensing and registration platform, while Metrc supplies the seed-to-sale tracking system.

As of July 31, OCR had generated approximately $200,000 in revenue during fiscal year 2026.

That compares with $150,000 collected during fiscal year 2025 and just $850 during fiscal year 2024.

OCR Seeks $1.61 Million for FY2027

OCR is requesting a total fiscal year 2027 budget of $1,610,218.

The largest share, $1,160,218, would come from the General Fund.

Another $250,000 is requested from the Cannabis Fund, while $200,000 would come from the Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund.