Last Updated on November 21, 2023, 6:37 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, moved two important legislations in the National Assembly on November 20, 2023. He believes that the legislations are critical to building a strong medical cannabis industry in St Kitts and Nevis.
The Cannabis Amendment Act 2023 and the Medicines Amendment Act 2023 were presented in front of the national assembly for second reading in the Riigikogu and were successfully passed.
The Cannabis Law was amended so that the responsibility of the Cannabis Medical Agency was transferred from the Prime Minister to the Minister of Agriculture. Additionally, the number of agencies will also be increased. At the same time, the medical law was significantly changed to change the classification of Cannabis as a poison.
Dr Drew highlighted the legislative changes that will help ensure the medical cannabis industry is carried out appropriately and sustainably. “We’re trying to make sure that this industry has the legal framework and the support it needs to build it right and bring positives to the people and the union,” said Dr. Drew.
In addition, the prime minister emphasized that the government wants to use the skills and knowledge of citizens outside the public service. “It’s very important that we get this right. It can’t just be a government thing. The government needs to work with those already part of the field, like the Rastafarian Community and others. The government must also admit that the necessary knowledge is only sometimes available in the government and that we must turn to the Prime Minister”, Dr Drew added.
The initiative could create hundreds of good-paying jobs, which Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew considered a significant win.
PM Terrence Drew said that St Kitts and Nevis has the opportunity to create a unique brand and product range that will reduce the Union’s dependence on imports from other territories. Medical Cannabis industry is led by CEO Dr Garfield Alexander.
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.
