The government of Antigua and Barbuda has reiterated its intention to build a medical cannabis sector based on local empowerment, careful regulation and cultural respect. At a stakeholder dialogue organized by the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA), officials presented a new roadmap for the development of medicinal cannabis on the island.

Addressing industry stakeholders, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin emphasized that the administration’s aim was to redirect the profits of this industry to people who have historically been shunned by foreign investors.

“I want to make it clear that my government (…) is fully committed to ensure that the economic benefits of this industry benefit the people of Antigua and Barbuda as a whole, and not just land investors,” he said, and to assure participants “that the pie is significant.”

This change comes as the authorities have acknowledged that previous economic initiatives in the country often concentrated profits in the hands of large operators. The government now wants to ensure that this trend is “ended”, with the new cannabis regulatory framework serving as a corrective model.

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