Medicinal Cannabis Authority Clarifies the Law on Sacramental Cannabis Authorization

The Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) wishes to address inaccurate public commentary arising from a recent law enforcement operation concerning unauthorized cannabis cultivation, in Pares Village.  The MCA issues this statement to clarify its position and to assist the public in understanding the legal framework governing cannabis in Antigua and Barbuda.

The MCA confirms that the entity which was the subject of the enforcement operation does not hold, and has never been granted, a Sacramental Cannabis Authorization or a Medicinal Cannabis Licence of any kind.

The MCA further advises the public that no organization in Antigua and Barbuda has been authorized by the Authority to extend, share, or confer cultivation rights on any other person or group. Any Sacramental Authorization belongs solely to the religious body to which it is granted and does not cover unaffiliated individuals or unapproved locations. Any person, cultivating cannabis in any community, on the strength of a claimed association with an authorized body, is, acting illegally.

For the public’s understanding, Sacramental Cannabis Authorization under the Cannabis Act 2018 is a privileged activity, guided by laws. It is granted only to a recognised religious body, which may only cultivate the quantity of cannabis approved by the Authority, on its designated lands, and only for the benefit of its registered congregation. Religious bodies with Sacramental Cannabis Authorization are subject to inspections and are prohibited from selling commercially and supplying persons outside their authorized congregation.

The MCA takes this opportunity to make clear that this matter casts no shadow on the Rastafari communities lawfully holding Sacramental Authorization in Antigua and Barbuda. Those communities applied through the established process, operate within the conditions of their authorizations, and continue to be valued partners in the development of a lawful, well-regulated framework of which this country is a regional pioneer.

As matters arising from the enforcement operation are now before the court, the Authority will not comment any further on the details of the investigation or the proceedings. Questions concerning enforcement should be directed to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.

The MCA remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Sacramental Cannabis framework, the Medicinal Cannabis industry, and will continue to work with law enforcement and other agencies of the Government to ensure that all cannabis activity in this country takes place within the parameters of law.

Persons seeking information about the industry, may contact the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) or visit mca.gov.ag.

About the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA):

The Medicinal Cannabis Authority of Antigua and Barbuda was established pursuant to the Cannabis Act 2018 and is responsible for regulating and controlling the licensing of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, extraction, import, export, testing, and sale of medicinal cannabis, and for the administration of sacramental authorisations.

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