U.S. Virgin Islands adopts plan to legalize cannabis

The U.S. Virgin Islands are about to join the ranks of the U.S. states or territories that have legalized cannabis.

Just two months after Senator Janelle Sarauw introduced the bill to legalize adult use, the Senate passed it without difficulty by a vote of 11 to 1. An amendment regarding the expungement of criminal records was also adopted unanimously.

«Although this cannabis legislation has been the subject of many misleading political statements, I am proud of the work done by the senators of the 34th Legislature, stakeholders, and community advocates, all of whom helped shape the final bill passed during today’s session,» Janelle Sarauw said in a press release.

«The agency has exercised due diligence to protect the public interest and the best interests of our residents by ensuring that local communities and minority groups are not excluded from the industry and have the opportunity to participate in its economic potential.»

Possession of no more than one ounce of cannabis (28 grams) was decriminalized in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2014. In 2019, a bill aimed at legalizing the A law on medical cannabis has been passed by the territorial legislature.

Under the bill passed last week, residents and visitors to the Caribbean island territory will be allowed to purchase cannabis at licensed dispensaries.

«There are so many provisions in this bill across various fields that, once it is implemented and faithfully enforced, the territory will see an inclusive, diverse, and, above all, safe industry,» Sarauw said in the press release.

«I hope that the current administration will fully realize the potential of both medical and adult use, for the benefit of the residents of this territory.»

There are still a few details to be worked out regarding the Virgin Islands

Although the bill was passed by a majority and has the support of the territory’s governor, certain regulations governing the cultivation and sale of cannabis have yet to be established and will serve to create a regulated cannabis industry.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr., who has repeatedly called on lawmakers to legalize cannabis, is expected to sign the reform bill into law.

Bryan has been advocating for legalization in recent years and published its own reform proposal in 2019 which got stuck in the legislature. He told voters earlier this year to call Sarauw and ask her why she had delayed introducing her bill. The bill was finally approved by the Senate and is now headed to the governor’s office.