Frequently Asked Questions
VIBE HIGH gets TONS of questions about the USVI Medical Cannabis bill through emails, Facebook, and Instagram. We have put together a list of the top questions we get into an easily readable format. If you have any questions or think we need to add to our FAQ, contact us!
What is the VI Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act (MCPCA)?
The VI Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act is the law that allows the use of Medical Marijuana in the US Virgin Islands. The bill was signed and enacted on January 17th, 2019 by Governor Albert Bryan. Read the full text of the Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act here.
What is the VI Office of Cannabis Regulations (OCR)?
The Office of Cannabis Regulations (OCR) is the USVI department in charge of all cannabis related matters in the territory. OCR is responsible for issuing medical marijuana cards, along with setting up standards and regulations for cannabis businesses. You can find more information on the Office of Cannabis Regulations here.
Where Do I Get My USVI Medical Cannabis Card?
The OCR is responsible for issuing medical marijuana cards in the USVI. Currently the OCR do not have offices, and are not accepting applications. Read our up to date Guide to Getting your Medical Marijuana Card.
How Much Do USVI Cannabis Cards Cost?
Medical Cannabis Cards in the US Virgin Islands will cost $50 for resident card holders.
Inpatient & nonresident card holders pay $50 for 5 days, $75 for 10 days, or $100 for 30 day cards.
Who Can Prescibe Virgin Islands Medical Cannabis?
- Medical Doctor
- Osteopath
- Naturopath
- Homeopath
- Chiropractor
- Physician’s Assistant
- Nurse Practitioner
What Medical Conditions Are Covered for Medical Marijuana in the VI?
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV
- Hepatitis C
- ALS
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- PTSD
- Traumatic brain injury
- Hospice care
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Chronic pain
- Neuropathic pain
The OCR may also add medical conditions to this list. If your medical condition is not on this list, also see our FAQ on Affirmative Defense.
What is Affirmative Defense?
Affirmative Defense is a legal protection for non-medical card holders who use cannabis for medical purposes. If a patient has a note from a qualified medical practitioner, they may use the Affirmative Defense in the court of law. See our indepth look into What is Affirmative Defense.
Do I Have to be a US Virgin Island Resident to get Medical Cannabis?
No. Inpatient and Non-residents may also receive a temporary cannabis medical card. Read our Guide for Non-Resident and Inpatient Medical Marijuana Users.
How Long Do I Need to Wait to Become a Resident?
The MCPCA states that being in the US Virgin Islands over 45 days qualifies you to become a resident medical cannabis card holder.
How Much Cannabis Can I Possess & Buy?
Resident medical card holders may possess up to 4 ounces of cannabis at a time. But for nonresident cardholders the limit is 3 ounces.
USVI Medical Cannabis Dispensaries may not sell more that 3 ounces of marijuana in a 14 day period to a resident or nonresident card holder.
Can I Grow My Own Cannabis in the US Virgin Islands?
Yes! Virgin Island resident medical cannabis patient cardholders may grow up to 12 cannabis plants at a time for personal use! All plants must be in a secure location, surrounded by fencing if outdoors, or locked indoors.
How Old Do I Have to be to Get a USVI Cannabis Card?
You must be 18 years or older to receive your medical marijuana card in the Virgin Islands.
Anyone under the age of 18 may also receive a card, but only under the supervision of a legal guardian.
When Will VI Medical Cannabis be Available to Purchase?
There is a specific timeline for the establishment of the cannabis industry the USVI Government must adhere to. Using this timeline we have estimated that cannabis will be available in early to mid 2020. Read our full timeline of when medical marijuana will be available for purchase in the VI.
When Will Recreational Marijuana be Legal in the USVI?
Tough question to answer, and is speculative. VIBE HIGH believes once medical cannabis is operating in the Virgin Islands, talks of recreational marijuana will begin to grow louder. But the true mark will be once the VI Legislator realizes the tax benefits that a complete recreational market will provide to the territory.