Minister Joseph Visits Medicinal Cannabis Authority

Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, the Hon. Michael Joseph has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, responsible and transparent development of the medicinal cannabis industry following an extensive tour of the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority and licensed facilities.

The Minister was accompanied by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kamaria DeCastro, during the visit, which was aimed at providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the Authority’s operations, regulatory framework and the range of medicinal cannabis products being developed in Antigua and Barbuda.

During the tour, Minister Joseph observed the Authority’s rigorous inventory management and regulatory systems, which ensure that every plant and product is fully traceable through coded identification, scanning technology and weight verification measures.

“The level of accountability and oversight demonstrated by the Authority is commendable,” Minister Joseph said. “It is reassuring to see such robust systems in place to ensure transparency, quality control and compliance throughout the production process.”

The Minister also toured the processing facilities, where he was briefed on the extraction of medicinal cannabis oils and other compounds, as well as the research and use of different cannabis genetics to develop products tailored to specific therapeutic needs.

In addition to visiting the Authority’s production facilities, Minister Joseph toured several licensed medicinal cannabis dispensaries across Antigua and Barbuda, where he engaged with operators to gain a better appreciation of the services being provided to patients and the industry’s continued development.

While acknowledging the growth of the medicinal cannabis sector, Minister Joseph stressed the importance of increasing public awareness of the scientifically supported medical applications of cannabis.

“There is a need for greater public education to help people better understand the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis when prescribed and used appropriately,” he stated. “As this industry continues to evolve, it is essential that the public is equipped with accurate information that distinguishes medicinal use from recreational use.”

The Minister also encouraged individuals who choose to use cannabis recreationally to do so responsibly and safely, while emphasizing that the Government’s focus remains on advancing the medicinal cannabis programme as an important component of healthcare innovation and patient care.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs remains committed to supporting evidence-based policies, strengthening regulatory oversight and promoting public education to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda’s medicinal cannabis industry continues to develop in a safe, responsible and sustainable manner.

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