The Government of Grenada in keeping with its stated intention to develop a cannabis industry that will focus on the medical and industrial uses of the plant, is working to develop a comprehensive approach to the issue, ultimately leading to the passage of cannabis legislation.
The Ministry of Agriculture in an update said legislation will address the medical and scientific purposes of cannabis, as well as its potential to create employment and generate foreign exchange.
Minister for Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, and Marine Resources, Lennox J. Andrews, has expressed confidence in the members of a new working committee, saying they are committed to the mandate by the Cabinet to submit proposals on the way forward for the cannabis industry by September 2024.
“I have met with the committee, and they have all given their commitment to the task at hand, and I have full confidence that the committee will go to work within the time frame and deliver on time,” he said.
The term of engagement of the previously established commission expired in November 2023.
After careful review and to expedite informed decision-making, the Cabinet opted to establish a streamlined Cannabis Working Committee.
The Committee was established in April 2024 and consists of the following:
• Anselm Clouden, Attorney at Law
• Dr Shawn Charles, Chief Medical Officer
• ACP Vannie Curwen, Acting Commissioner of Police
• Tonja Alexander, a cannabis expert and Rastafarian representative.
• Betty Ann Lazarus, Public Relations, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, and Marine Resources
The Cannabis Working Committee’s primary mandates includes engaging with the Grenadian community through extensive consultations in which the committee aims to understand the public’s views on cannabis use and reclassification.
It also includes shaping Legislative and Regulatory Framework. Through informed public consultations, the committee will advise on designing a new legal and regulatory framework for cannabis.
At this stage, the Working Committee is moving beyond discussion and taking decisive action to achieve its mandates from the Cabinet.
The Working Committee’s activities focus on gathering data and public opinion. The plan includes:
1. Publishing a Policy Statement: This document will outline the government’s direction on cannabis legislation.
2. National Panel Discussion: Bringing together regional experts, this event will offer an opportunity to demystify cannabis, explore the realities of medical and scientific cannabis legalisation, and kick-start the national conversation.
3. Data Compilation and Analysis: Information gathered through all consultation processes will be meticulously compiled and analysed.
4. Collaboration with the Ministry of Legal Affairs: The committee will work closely with the Ministry of Legal Affairs to research and recommend legislative amendments for cannabis decriminalisation and depenalisation in this initial phase.
The Government of Grenada said it acknowledges the growing interest in cannabis legalisation as well as recognises the experiences of those impacted by current laws and appreciates public enthusiasm.
However, a responsible approach is crucial.
