Dominica aims to launch its cannabis industry in 2023

The government of Dominica has announced that it is in the process of introducing legislation that will enable the creation of its cannabis industry by next year.

Speaking on public radio, Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit told listeners that his administration would table the appropriate legislation in Parliament before the end of the year.

At present, the cannabis already decriminalized in Dominica, In the case of self-cultivation, up to 3 plants per household and up to 28 grams of cannabis per person.

«We announced in this year's budget to provide permits and licenses for people who are in the production of’cannabis oils, We're also working on the development of new products, creams and lotions, and soaps, because we recognize that there are a number of Dominican citizens suffering from cancer who use cannabis oil to bring them some relief.»

«So we're in the process of setting up the mechanism and certification, which also involves providing certificates to growers and farmers so they can plant and cultivate this plant,» said Skerrit.

He said that earlier this year, with the support of the Canadian government, Dominica received help in drafting the necessary legislation to treat cannabis as a medical industry for export...».

He also said that there were a number of processes to follow, and that Canadians «through a project are helping us in this regard», adding that a national committee chaired by Attorney General Levi Peter is looking at legislation as well as «the various treaties we need to sign».

«So we're making great strides, and I think next year we'll certainly be able to pass this legislation and have a full-fledged cannabis industry in Dominica, so that we can take advantage of the many opportunities associated with cannabis,» said Skerrit.

Several Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Barbados or Saint-Christophe-et-Nievès, have set out to establish similar industries.