Top officials from the V.I. Office of Cannabis Regulations and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs assured lawmakers on Wednesday that slow progress in establishing the territory’s cannabis industry was essential for long-term success. While members of the 35th Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture received updates on efforts, some pressed for more concrete details as the public grows eager for legitimate access to cannabis.
Executive Director Joanne Moorehead, who took office in May, emphasized the need for increased public engagement as various components of the industry are put in place. Moorehead highlighted the agency’s registry, which is now open to business agents, medical practitioners, patients, and sacramental organizations. She added that applications for cannabis-related business licenses would be discussed at the next meeting of the Cannabis Advisory Board and urged the public to visit the agency’s website to read the 130-page document laying out guidelines for legal participation in the cannabis industry
“We recognize that this has been a long time coming and appreciate the patience of the public as we work diligently to get this right,” Moorehead said.
In his testimony, DLCA Commissioner Horace Graham backed the cautious approach, stressing the importance of building a well-regulated and efficient industry. “We recognize the importance of a well-regulated and efficient industry,” Graham said.
Senators Diane Capehart and Donna Frett-Gregory voiced support for the measured pace, with Capehart saying, “The Virgin Islands is keeping up with the times.” Frett-Gregory focused on the importance of clear regulations, especially around medicinal cannabis use, to avoid public confusion.
Lawmakers raised questions about staffing timelines, particularly the need to hire enforcement officers. Moorehead projected it would take about a year to establish an enforcement unit. Senator-At-Large Angel Bolques also asked when training programs for the industry would begin, to which Moorehead responded, “We are looking at the end of October, beginning of November.”
The cannabis office received $1 million when Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed the enabling legislation in January 2023. When asked by Senate President Novelle Francis about the management of those funds, Moorehead reported that the agency had not spent it all yet, but staffing and funding remain the biggest challenges.
Committee Chairman Javon James noted the absence of Department of Agriculture officials, saying their input is crucial and that he would hold another hearing to include their remarks.
During the hearing, lawmakers also approved an amendment to clarify language in the Cannabis Regulation and Implementation Act. Sponsored by Senator Frett-Gregory, the changes were proposed by cannabis regulators and will move forward for review by the Senate Committee on Rules and the Judiciary.
