VI Govt & UK ‘found a way forward’ on medicinal cannabis – Premier Wheatley
The Premier made the announcement in a One-on-One Press Conference with the media today, January 23, 2023. The press conference was to update the public on his recent trip to the UK.
“I was also very pleased that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the UK Home Office had very good discussions with my delegation on medicinal cannabis, particularly with respect to licensing of medical practitioners in the Virgin Islands to administer medicinal cannabis to patients,” he said.
Dr Wheatley added that the VI has found a way forward on medicinal cannabis and that work has begun to put the necessary regimes in place for approvals, he said, while adding that he is grateful to the UK Government for their support in this area.
Talks in VI to commence soon- Dr Wheatley
Meanwhile, while touching on the steps to be taken in the VI, Hon Wheatley said he intends as soon as possible to engage with the Governor's Office as well as his Cabinet colleagues as it pertains to how to approach legislation moving forward.
“Of course, as you know, there was the Cannabis Licensing Act that was due for assent [by the Governor]. We [need to] have discussions as to whether that's the way that we want to go right now because we have legislation on our books that allows the Minister for Health to be able to create regulations that will essentially allow cannabis to be legally administered in the BVI,” he detailed.
Dr Wheatley added that the UK Home Office is already supportive of the move and is interested in ensuring that the VI has the expertise and regime in place for the rollout of medicinal marijuana in a responsible manner.
“And that's something that we're committed to as well because, of course, we know that any substance can be abused and it's important that you have structures and regimes in place to ensure that that abuse doesn't take place here in the Virgin Islands,” he said.
It is unclear whether the way forward will also include the growing of marijuana plants on a large scale, as was the intention of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government under former Premier Andrew A. Fahie.
The UK, through the Governor's Office, had refused to assent to the Cannabis Licensing Act, 2020, which sets the framework for the establishment of a medical marijuana industry in the VI.
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22 Responses to “VI Govt & UK ‘found a way forward’ on medicinal cannabis – Premier Wheatley”
In reference to medical uses in the BVI, I am not against, but at this time, we have many other issues that need our immediate attention than the rush to legalize medical cannabis. However, what will be. Under democratic system, majority rules over minority.
Because bananas are for sale you should not plant your own?
This is why senior citizens should step down from politics. Unfortunately you are scared of cannabis for no reason except for the brainwashing that happened to your generation.
Enough hesitation the people that want to use this as a medicine whether for simple depression & temporary pains needed it years ago. At this point its impossible to rush. Its late!
Legalize or decriminalize the plant NOW. It was needed years ago for many of us.
I know many people who have been eagerly awaiting this from the first announcement. Its been years from the first announcement and its past an urgent need as people are getting it off the street.
Furthermore all that we could import is grown indoors. Many people do not prefer indoor. The price skyrockets and the quality drops hard. Indoor looks like rocks while outdoor looks like an actual plant.
The Caribbean used to have a excellent reputation for cannabis but that all went out the door when we let the same people who made it illegal, rush to be the first to legalize.
Your advocating importing from the countries that caused our peoples persecution.... rather than develop our own local cannabis culture.
you have got to be joking
you have got to be joking
what bs you there talking about weed, is this your vision for the territory,
weed?weed?
THAT SHOULD BE YOUR PRIORITY
DIFFENTE SMOKE BODY,YOU SMOKE TO MUCH
Pray for this man he going off the deep end somebody please pray for he. You telling me he really run up to UK to talk bout weed and painkilla. Wtf man
The law was passed by Head Coach. Why do you think he did that?? To get his cut!
This government is so corrupt. Letting it decide who gets to sell weed and then arresting people that grow on their own is wrong. So wrong. Think about this people.
We have plenty of weed in BVI. Plenty good. Price good. Please don't screw this up too!
Fact is everyone should be able to grow it not the few people who want to resell. That alone would lift such a financial burden off the whole VI.
For income weed: When tourists come here, they are always asking for some, so money is already being made.
For legalized weed: It has been long overdue and the people in prison for it should all be released for selling it even
though it was not legal when they were arrested. Free up the space for hardened criminals now.
Now, the real issues I want to hear about are gun crimes, Pockwood Pond incinerator pollution, infrastructure fixing these horrible roads, homelessness, hunger, school violence bullying control, inflation going through the roof, scooter riders being made to have plates insurance obey driving rules on the road just like other vehicles, animal control by owners of cows and goats destroying properties, dogs to the beach before the allowed times and made to clean up poop their dogs made. If everyone respected and cleaned their own yards our islands would look so presentable for our own eyesight not just for tourists. RESPECT YOURSELVES first!