Is Cannabis Legal in the US Virgin Islands?
Medical Marijuana is legal in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, however rules and regulations have not been approved. Dispensaries and medical cannabis is not yet available in the territory.
Recreational cannabis is not legal in the territory, but legislation is in the works to legalize recreational weed.
Weed was decriminalized in the US Virgin Islands in 2014.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in the US Virgin Islands?
Medical Marijuana was legalized in the US Virgin Islands on January 19th, 2019 by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. However, as of April 2022, medical cannabis is still not available in the USVI. Governor Bryan has yet to name enough members to the VI Cannabis Advisory Board (VICAB) to reach a quorum.
The quorum-less VICAB has released preliminary rules and regulations, with the hopes of getting a quorum in June/July ’22 with prospective members being approved by the Senate.
- The bill that made medicinal marijuana legal in the VI Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act (MCPCA)
- Resident medical cards will cost up to $50 per year.
- Visitors to the USVI will be able to get a temporary medical cannabis card.
- Tourism Medical Cards will cost up to $50 for 5 days, $75 for 10 days, and $100 for 30 days.
- USVI resident medical cannabis card holders will be able to grow 12 cannabis plants at home
- Medical card holders can purchase up to 3 ounces every 15 days.
- Each island (St. Croix, St. John & St. Thomas) will have it’s own unique cannabis industry.
- Medical cards from other legal medical cannabis jurisdictions will NOT be honored in the US Virgin Islands. All non-residents must obtain a Tourism Medical Card.
Is Recreational Cannabis Legal in the US Virgin Islands?
Recreational marijuana is not legal in the USVI. Legislation was introduced in late 2019 to make cannabis legal in the territory. However the legislation has little chance of becoming law.
On December 3rd 2019, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. introduced the VI Cannabis Use Act. The bill was a complete replacement of the existing medical cannabis bill. However, the Governor was criticized for creating a recreational cannabis bill when he has failed to implement the medical bill.
On December 18th, 2019 the VI Legislature met in a special session to discuss the bill. While the bill was criticized during the hearing, the bill was not completely rejected by the legislature. The bill was forwarded to the committee of the whole for further consideration. Whether it will actually be considered, or remain in committee remains to be seen.
As of April 2022, the adult-use legalization bill remains in committee. No further updates or amendments have been introduced to make weed legal in the US Virgin Islands.
Is Weed Decriminalized in the USVI?
Cannabis is decriminalized in the Virgin Islands. While some have confused decriminalization and recreational use, you can still be fined for possession of cannabis. The VI Legislator overrode Governor de Jongh’s veto in 2014 to decriminalize marijuana.
What are the Penalties for Cannabis Possession in the US Virgin Islands?
Current penalties for Marijuana consumption and distribution in the VI:
- Possession of less than 1oz. of Marijuana can result in confiscation and/or fine of $100-$200.
- More than 1oz. can result in a larger fine and possibly jail time.
- Confiscation and a mandated drug awareness program for any minor caught with any amount of marijuana.
- Selling and distribution still has stiff penalties.
It isn’t documented how many cannabis-related penalties have issued since decriminalization, or if anyone has ever been fined. However, grow house and large smuggling operations are still 100% illegal, which has been strongly enforced with both fines and prison sentences.
Is CBD Legal in the USVI?
CBD is legal in the Virgin Islands as long as it does not contain THC. No regulations exist in the territory which prohibit its sale. Many shops have sprung up in St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John that provide CBD products. Currently there are not any locally sourced CBD products.