Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has signed a bill to legalize medical cannabis in the Virgin Islands, The St. John’s Source reports.
While the Virgin Islands Medicinal Cannabis Patient Care Act doesn’t legalize full adult-use, the legislation does create a regulated system of provisioning centers across the Virgin Islands. The legislation was originally sponsored by Sen. Positive Nelson of St. Croix, who was in the Governor’s office during the signing of the bill.
“I have approved the Virgin Islands Medicinal Cannabis Care Act because it is a step in the right direction toward assisting Virgin Islanders suffering from autoimmune and other debilitating medical conditions.” — Gov. Bryan in a statement
Medical cannabis was originally endorsed by voters in 2014 via a ballot referendum. There was some delay, however, due to the Virgin Islands’ territory status.
“Since the Referendum, it is clear that marijuana-use policy in the United States has been changing rapidly in favor of medicinal and recreational use and will continue, even potentially on the federal level,” said Gov. Bryan.
Bryan said he expects the legislature to work out the finer details of the system now that it’s become law. Regulatory forms, fees, and procedures have all yet to be determined.
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