Antigua and Barbuda to authorize the cultivation of medical cannabis

The government of Antigua and Barbuda, one of the Caribbean islands, has announced its intention to legislate and authorize the cultivation of medical cannabis, as well as its processing, for sale on the island.

Recently elected Prime Minister Gaston Browne has invited a number of experts to participate in deliberations «in order to get the best out of the decisions.»

It would appear that a delegation of 4 people, including 3 Canadians, explained to the government «the steps necessary [...] to make possible the cultivation, harvesting, processing and sale of medical cannabis in all its forms» according to the Jamaica Observer.

The Government then issued a statement acknowledging that «Canada's laws are the most likely to be a model, although Britain, Germany, Switzerland and Brazil are following the same path for cannabis producers.»

Last February, Antigua and Barbuda began decriminalizing cannabis, which will make it legal to possess less than 15 grams for personal use and to grow up to 4 plants per household.

«Cannabis use is now socially acceptable,» said Prime Minister Gaston Browne, «It is, in essence, part of the country's culture. I want to make it very clear that my government does not advocate the use of cannabis. We are against anything that is smoked.»

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has therefore decided to go one step further, and will allow medical cannabis to be grown under certain conditions and processed into pharmaceutical products.