In a serious leap ahead for public well being, financial growth, and social justice, the Authorities of Saint Kitts and Nevis formally launched the Medicinal Hashish Authority on Friday, April 25, 2025.
The launch marks a major milestone because the Federation strikes in the direction of establishing a regulated, accountable, and inclusive medicinal hashish business.
The occasion additionally celebrated the opening of the Authority’s new workplace on Prince’s Avenue in Basseterre, signalling a contemporary chapter within the nation’s method to healthcare and nationwide coverage.
Chairperson of the Hashish Board, Mrs. Jihan Williams-Knight, outlined the Authority’s main mission: to create and oversee protected, authorized entry to hashish for grownup sufferers over the age of 21 who could profit from its use in managing well being situations. She confused the steadiness between increasing entry and defending weak populations.
“It’s our job because the Medicinal Hashish Authority to navigate these authorized nuances, handle public well being issues, and dispel destructive stigmas to make sure that entry to medicinal hashish is obvious, clear, and by no means unreasonably denied,” Mrs. Williams-Knight stated.
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Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Samal Duggins—who oversees the Authority—referred to as the launch a daring and strategic transfer into the worldwide medicinal hashish house.
“We stand at a very thrilling second, coming into the worldwide medicinal hashish business with the benefit of perception, expertise, and readiness,” Minister Duggins acknowledged. He famous that Saint Kitts and Nevis’ method has been crafted thoughtfully, studying from worldwide experiences whereas tailoring the mannequin to the nation’s distinctive context.
In a landmark announcement through the ceremony, Minister Duggins acknowledged the Rastafarian neighborhood’s decades-long advocacy for hashish rights. Below the Rastafari Rights Recognition Act of 2023, licensing charges for members of the Rastafarian neighborhood will likely be waived, providing free entry to licenses.
“This isn’t simply the institution of an establishment—it’s a dedication to equity, respect, and historic acknowledgement,” Duggins stated.
The launch additionally noticed sturdy endorsements from Appearing Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, and Lawyer Normal, Honourable Garth Wilkin, who each reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to a clear, science-based medicinal hashish framework.
The Medicinal Hashish Authority represents a brand new period for Saint Kitts and Nevis—one that’s rooted in scientific analysis, neighborhood advocacy, and nationwide progress. With a regulatory system fastidiously tailor-made to native wants, the Federation is positioning itself as a Caribbean chief within the accountable growth of medicinal hashish.
