Close to 100 traditional cultivators support plan to join medicinal cannabis industry 

By Admin. Updated 12:46 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Close to 100 traditional cultivators have endorsed a strategy aimed at integrating them into St Vincent and the Grenadines’ regulated medicinal cannabis industry, while approving the formation of an interim committee to guide the creation of a national cultivators’ association.

The decision was made during a consultation held on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown, where 94 traditional cultivators met with representatives from the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA), Government officials and partner agencies.

The consultation was held under the theme “Moving from Consultation to Integration and Action” and focused on strengthening the role of traditional cultivators in the development of the medicinal cannabis sector.

During the meeting, participants endorsed the proposed Strategic Integration Plan, which outlines a framework built around three key areas: a democratic cultivators’ association, a majority cultivator-controlled commercial company and fair-trade payment principles.

Under the proposed structure, the association would represent cultivators and advocate for their collective interests, while the commercial company would support market access, production, aggregation, testing, processing and payments. Production would be aligned with market demand and quality standards.

The consultation also marked the beginning of the process to establish an interim committee, with participants electing leadership and identifying nine members to serve on the body.

The interim committee will oversee initial organisational work, including the preparation of governance documents, membership arrangements, coordination of meetings and communication with the wider traditional cultivator community before permanent leadership is elected.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, Hon. Israel Bruce, reiterated the Government’s support for the integration of traditional cultivators into the industry and encouraged them to organise collectively to improve their representation and negotiating position.

MCA Chairperson Dr Coleen Phillips highlighted the importance of traditional cultivators’ experience, local cannabis genetics and cultural knowledge, noting that these assets must be protected as the sector develops through commercial partnerships.

The Kingstown consultation followed earlier community meetings held in Georgetown, Greiggs, Vermont and Chateaubelair, which involved 145 traditional cultivators. Those discussions focused on issues including market access, financing, production quality, testing, security and practical support.

MCA Director Dr Jason Young also addressed concerns surrounding substance abuse, particularly the risks linked to substances such as ecstasy and fentanyl. He stressed the need to protect young people while promoting safe practices within the medicinal cannabis industry.

Dr Young further emphasised the importance of clean production methods, inspections and testing to protect public health and maintain confidence in the regulated sector.

The MCA said the endorsement of the integration strategy and establishment of the interim committee provides a foundation for advancing the formation of a national traditional cultivators’ association.

The authority will continue to facilitate the process, while further discussions will determine the detailed governance, legal and commercial arrangements with cultivators.

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