In a major leap forward for public health, economic development, and social justice, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis officially launched the Medicinal Cannabis Authority on Friday, April 25, 2025.
The launch marks a significant milestone as the Federation moves towards establishing a regulated, responsible, and inclusive medicinal cannabis industry.
The event also celebrated the opening of the Authority’s new office on Prince’s Street in Basseterre, signalling a fresh chapter in the country’s approach to healthcare and national policy.
Chairperson of the Cannabis Board, Mrs. Jihan Williams-Knight, outlined the Authority’s primary mission: to create and oversee safe, legal access to cannabis for adult patients over the age of 21 who may benefit from its use in managing health conditions. She stressed the balance between expanding access and protecting vulnerable populations.
“It is our job as the Medicinal Cannabis Authority to navigate these legal nuances, address public health concerns, and dispel negative stigmas to ensure that access to medicinal cannabis is clear, transparent, and never unreasonably denied,” Mrs. Williams-Knight said.
Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Samal Duggins—who oversees the Authority—called the launch a bold and strategic move into the global medicinal cannabis space.
“We stand at a truly exciting moment, entering the global medicinal cannabis industry with the advantage of insight, experience, and readiness,” Minister Duggins stated. He noted that Saint Kitts and Nevis’ approach has been crafted thoughtfully, learning from international experiences while tailoring the model to the nation’s unique context.
In a landmark announcement during the ceremony, Minister Duggins acknowledged the Rastafarian community’s decades-long advocacy for cannabis rights. Under the Rastafari Rights Recognition Act of 2023, licensing fees for members of the Rastafarian community will be waived, offering free access to licenses.
“This is not just the establishment of an institution—it is a commitment to fairness, respect, and historical acknowledgement,” Duggins said.
The launch also saw strong endorsements from Acting Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, and Attorney General, Honourable Garth Wilkin, who both reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a transparent, science-based medicinal cannabis framework.
The Medicinal Cannabis Authority represents a new era for Saint Kitts and Nevis—one that is rooted in scientific research, community advocacy, and national progress. With a regulatory system carefully tailored to local needs, the Federation is positioning itself as a Caribbean leader in the responsible development of medicinal cannabis.
