Caribbean Nations Legalize Cannabis

St Kitts and Nevis
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has finalized and approved legislation for ‘the responsible use of cannabis’ to take effect on the Internationally Recognized Day of Cannabis, April 20, 2024.

In 2020, the island nation/state decriminalized small amounts of cannabis. The islands have been pot-friendly for decades, so it is a logical path for them.


Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Creative Economy, The Honourable Samal Mojah Duggins at a Cannabis Farm. (Contributed photo)

“This is a significant step in the Government’s plan to develop a responsible, professional and sustainable medical cannabis industry,” said Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Samal Duggins. “Our goal is to ensure that the laws with respect to cannabis use are clear for all to understand and can allow budding entrepreneurs to thrive in this new industry. We will prioritize Rastafari groups and traditional growers and seek to support the development of small businesses to take advantage of this fast-growing industry. Today starts our journey to become a 4/20 friendly society.”

St Lucia
In 2021 the Government of St Lucia decriminalized personal use of cannabis, and expunged the records of previously convicted cannabis users.

Now in March of 2024 they are holding meetings to create a Caribbean Cannabis Forum amongst the governments of the region.

The stated goal is to create a sustainable cannabis industry in the area with appropriate legalization and issuing of standards for all.

It seems almost every country in the Caribbean basin has enacted cannabis legalization laws, including the US Virgin Islands. The holdouts are few, Barbados and the British Virgin Islands for example.