US Virgin Islands legalize adult-use cannabis

On January 18, a signing ceremony was held to document that Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act (Act 8680) into law and announced that anyone convicted of simple cannabis possession would be asked to file a clemency petition .

“Since the beginning of the Bryan-Roach administration, we have worked towards the legalization of adult use of cannabis, and today, thanks to the hard work of the members of the 34th and previous term legislatures, and the efforts of my team, we are finally here and finally the Signing of the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act,” Bryan said in a press release. “This bill includes key aspects of my original proposal, such as: B. A streamlined regulatory regime for both medical and adult use, enforcement powers for the Office of Cannabis Regulation, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for Virgin Islands residents, and the creation of a revenue stream to help fund key government initiatives and operations.”

The law allows adults over the age of 21 to possess up to two ounces of cannabis, 14 grams of concentrates and one ounce of cannabis products (defined as edibles, ointments or tinctures). It also includes the requirement to create an office for cannabis regulation, restrictions on business licenses and permits, allowances for those using cannabis as a sacrament, directions for cannabis sales tax funds to encourage community programs, and more.

At the ceremony, Bryan mentioned his experience traveling to Colorado in November with a host of other lawmakers to see firsthand how the cannabis industry is thriving. “By traveling to Denver and meeting and speaking with people involved in all aspects of the industry, from regulators to law enforcement officials to farmers, manufacturers and pharmacy owners, I hope that the people involved in launching this industry involved have learned best practices and what to avoid as we work to build this industry in the Virgin Islands,” Bryan continued.

He also addressed President Joe Biden’s October 2022 announcement regarding the deletion of citizens convicted of simple cannabis possession. “Today I announce that all criminal convictions for simple possession of marijuana are fully and fully pardoned under Virgin Islands law,” Bryan announced. “My office estimates that about 300 people have been convicted of simple possession of marijuana in the past 20 years.”

Those convicted of simple cannabis possession in the US Virgin Islands can now apply to the Justice Department for a pardon. For those convicted of up to two ounces of cannabis, the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act and Expungement Act automatically delete their records. However, Bryan recommends that the best way to ensure the deletion goes ahead is to apply anyway. “Don’t wait for opportunities to come your way, go out and grab them,” he said.

Like many states, it took time for the US Virgin Islands to establish both a medical and adult-use program. While residents voted to legalize medicinal cannabis in 2014, Bryan only signed the law into law in 2019. The draft rules for the territory’s medicinal cannabis program were released in August 2022.

On December 30, 2022, the US Virgin Islands Senate passed Bill Act 8680 by an 11-to-1 vote. The bill reached Bryan’s desk on January 9, giving him 10 days to make a decision to sign the bill veto or allow it to come into force without his signature. Bryan signed the bill just a day before the deadline.