Last Updated on April 17, 2025, 5:36 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The United National Congress has laid out detailed plans for the Cannabis Industry, as a part of the agricultural sector. The UNC led administration has shared their vision to expand this industry as a part of the agricultural and economic plans for Trinidad and Tobago.
The UNC, which is currently serving as the country’s official opposition party has announced that the Cannabis Industry of Trinidad and Tobago is under their crucial point of focus.
The political party has announced that regulating the cannabis industry is very important. The government of Trinidad and Tobago had decriminalised the possession of cannabis in small quantities in the year 2019.
Legislation allowed the people to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis and cultivate up to four plants. The legislation, although welcomed with remarkable excitement all over the country, was not adequately regulated.
The administration has not been able to implement safeguards to support the decriminalization. There is a serious lack of legal dispensaries and no consistent monitoring of the quality or origin of supply.
People are buying their supply of Cannabis on street corners from drug pushers instead of buying from legal dispensaries.
The cannabis is often laced with cocaine and there’s no consistency in the THC levels.
UNC, in their manifesto have laid down plans to regulate and safeguard the large-scale cultivation, agro-processing, and export. The officials have shared that they are essential for unlocking this industry’s full economic potential.
UNC lays down Policy Proposals for the regulation of the Cannabis Legalization
The United National Congress says that developing a regulated cannabis industry is an extension of agricultural policy aimed at economic diversification. The UNC does not want to encourage recreational use but create an organized sector.
The political party noted that they will work with farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors while adhering to international laws. Implement the Cannabis Control Authority Bill to establish a commercial cultivation, agro-processing, and export licensing framework.
The UNC wants to install guardrails to ensure compliance with international trade regulations. They also want to implement quality controls. particularly for medical cannabis exports.
UNC Plans for Supporting Small Farmers
The party will provide incentives and training programs for small farmers interested in cultivating commercial cannabis. The political party also pledged to facilitate cooperatives where small farmers can pool resources to access agro-processing facilities or sell crops to larger entities.
They also promised to make sure marginalized communities disproportionately affected by past cannabis criminalization have access to licenses and opportunities within the industry.
UNC Plans for International and Regional Trade
UNC plans to develop partnerships with regional CARICOM leaders to harmonize standards for medical cannabis exports. The aim is to position Trinidad as a key supplier of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products in developed markets.
The UNC believes their plans will help in improving the diversification of the Trinidad and Tobago Economy. The sector will become more inclusive and safe for small farmers and Trinidad and Tobago will be positioned strongly in the international market.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
