Medical marijuana in the Caribbean
Several Caribbean nations have formal medical cannabis programs — from Puerto Rico's 130+ dispensaries to St. Vincent's export-focused cultivation industry. Here's which countries offer medical access and what it means for patients and tourists.
Countries with medical programs
Puerto Rico
Medical OnlyMedical cannabis legal since 2015; 130+ dispensaries; no adult-use
U.S. Virgin Islands
LegalAdult-use legal since 2023 (Act 8680); dispensaries opening 2026
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Medical OnlyMedical cannabis and licensed cultivation legal; export-focused industry
Mixed / reform underway
St. Kitts & Nevis
Mixed / ReformMedicinal Cannabis Authority launched 2025; Rastafari sacramental use legal; personal permits available
Cayman Islands
Mixed / ReformMedical cannabis legal since 2017; 2025 referendum approved decriminalization (implementation pending)
Bahamas
Mixed / ReformCannabis Bill 2024 introduced: medical, religious, scientific use; decrim of 30g proposed; not yet enacted
What tourists need to know
Having a medical cannabis program doesn't automatically mean tourists can access it. Accessibility varies widely:
- Puerto Rico is the most tourist-friendly — they recognize out-of-state US medical cards and issue 30-day temporary cards on the spot.
- Jamaica uses herb houses where tourists can get a quick medical authorization for about US$10.
- USVI allows non-resident purchases with a $20 fee once dispensaries are operational.
- Barbados, St. Vincent — medical programs exist but are industry-focused, not patient-access focused for visitors.
Always check the specific country page for current tourist access details before your trip.