SAINT LUCIA CABINET TO DELIBERATE ON CANNABIS COMMISSION’S PROPOSALS

Over ten months since the Saint Lucia government announced the formation of a Cannabis Commission, a report has been presented to the cabinet of ministers for a decision on the way forward. Mandated to “consult and provide advice on the design of a legislative and regulatory framework for cannabis”, the commission was chaired by Michael Gordon QC. From November-December 2019, the commission hosted total of seven town hall meetings throughout the island, and also embarked on a social media campaign.

Speaking on the some of the commission’s findings recently, the government’s point man on cannabis Commerce Minister Bradley Felix said that the criminalization of cannabis— which costs $3.6 million— has been ineffective in reducing related use. A regulatory framework would include, inter alia, age and possession limits, public health education programs, and restrictions on public smoking and advertising. “The economic benefits: create employment, reduce unemployment to 18.2 %, increase government revenue, expand export portfolio, reduce trade deficit to 17%, possible contribution of $83 million to the local economy and possible increase size of the economy by 9.8%,” said Felix.

The government issued the statement below following today’s presentation:

The Cannabis Commission presented to the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday morning (June 15th) on the “Economic Analysis of the Regulation of the Cannabis Industry in Saint Lucia.” The Commission was set up in July 2019 to review and make recommendations on the laws and regulations as it relates to cannabis/marijuana.

At Monday’s meeting Cabinet was guided by lead Minister on the issue, Minister for Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs, Honourable Bradly Felix, and the presentation began with an opening statement by Chairman of the Committee Mr. Michael Gordon QC.

The committee is made up of representatives from the Attorney General Chambers, Invest Saint Lucia, the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Equity, Cannabis Movement, Leader of the Opposition, National Youth Council, St. Lucia Christian Council and the Iyanola Council for the Advancement of Rastafari.

The in-depth presentation from the Committee provided background and context, arguments against and for regulatory reform, a review of the current landscape in Saint Lucia, alternative regulatory models, economic assessment, a cost benefit analysis and a Macro-economic impact assessment.

The discussion was a dynamic one between the Committee and Ministers and the Cabinet is expected to deliberate today on the proposals of the Committee.