The rules, regulations, and fees associated with opening a dispensary or grow operation in the US Virgin Islands
Disclaimer: This is a Guide, if you are serious about starting a Medical Cannabis Business in the Virgin Islands, consult an attorney.
The Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act (MCPCA) details the regulations and sets the fees for starting a “medical marijuana facility” in the USVI. Here’s an outline of what you need to keep in mind when starting your own dispensary, manufacturing, or grow operation.
Resident Requirements
Not a resident of the VI and looking to move to the islands to start a business? Not so fast! The MCPCA states that you must be resident for at least 5 years before applying for a license.
Furthermore, the majority owner or shareholders of any cannabis business must also have been a resident for at least 5 years.
License Limits
The Virgin Islands MCPCA sets a “horizontal market” in the cannabis industry. In other words, no business may hold multiple licenses to control a supply chain from growing to dispensing.
Growers can only sell marijuana to manufacturers and dispensaries. Manufacturers can only sell to dispensaries. Only dispensaries can sell to cannabis patients. No skipping a step.
Further Reading
There are three different businesses and licenses set in the bill. Each with its own rules and fees. Check out the the specific guide for each type of business:
- Growers
- Dispensaries
- Manufacturers (COMING SOON!)