St. Kitts & Nevis Launches Medicinal Cannabis Authority
The government of St. Kitts and Nevis officially launches the Medicinal Cannabis Authority in April 2025, opening permit and licence applications.
A cautious but historic step
St. Kitts and Nevis has officially launched its Medicinal Cannabis Authority, marking a historic step in the twin-island nation’s approach to cannabis reform. Application forms are now available for permits, licences, and registrations under both the Rastafari Rights Recognition Act and the Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Act — both passed in 2023.
What’s available
Licensed individuals can possess limited amounts of cannabis, cultivate up to 5 plants, and smoke in designated public areas. Registered Rastafari groups can cultivate and use cannabis sacramentally at their places of assembly.
What This Means
St. Kitts takes a distinctly different approach from other Caribbean nations — rather than broad decriminalization, it’s building a regulated framework from the ground up with Rastafari rights and personal freedom at the center. Prime Minister Drew has emphasized the need for “responsible” introduction to protect the economy.
For tourists, this doesn’t change much yet — the framework is primarily for registered residents and Rastafari practitioners. But it lays the groundwork for a potential medicinal cannabis industry.
Source: www.sknis.gov.kn