Is weed legal in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Yes. Adult-use cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older under the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act (Act 8680), signed January 2023. Dispensaries are opening throughout 2026.

Can tourists buy weed in the USVI?

Yes. Non-residents can purchase cannabis at licensed dispensaries with a $20 non-resident cannabis fee. Daily purchase limits are lower than for residents: 14g flower, 3g concentrate, 500mg products per visit.

Where can I smoke weed in the USVI?

Only in private settings or at licensed Adult Use Lounges. Public consumption — including beaches, parks, and sidewalks — is prohibited.

Cannabis in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Laws, Dispensaries & Tourist Guide

Current Cannabis Laws

The U.S. Virgin Islands made cannabis history in January 2023 when the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act (Act 8680) was signed into law, making it one of only a handful of US territories with full adult-use legalization. The law establishes a regulated system for adult, medicinal, and sacramental cannabis use.

Adults 21 and older can possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower, 14 grams of concentrate, and 1 ounce of cannabis products. Medical patients get higher limits: 4 ounces of flower, 1 ounce of concentrate, and 2 ounces of products.

The 2024 amendment (Act 8925) refined several provisions, including shortening the non-resident medical certification period to 30 days and significantly relaxing distance buffers for lounges and home cultivation from 500-1,000 feet down to 250 feet.

Medical Marijuana

The USVI’s framework combines adult-use and medical cannabis under a single system administered by the Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR). Medical patients (Qualified Patients) receive higher possession and purchase limits than adult-use consumers.

The territory uses a 45-day residency threshold: if you’ve been in the USVI for 45 days or more, you’re treated as a resident for purchase purposes. Under 45 days, you’re a non-resident with lower daily purchase limits.

For Tourists

Magens Bay beach on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

The USVI is one of the few Caribbean destinations where tourists can legally purchase cannabis. Here’s what you need to know:

Age requirement: 21+
Non-resident fee: $20 per transaction
Daily purchase limits for non-residents: 14g flower, 3g concentrate, 500mg cannabis products
Resident limits (45+ days): 1oz flower, 10g concentrate, 2,000mg products
Sales tax: 18% on all cannabis sales

Where you can consume: Private settings only, or at licensed Adult Use Lounges, Cannabis Use Permit locations, or Temporary Cannabis Use Permit locations. Public consumption — including beaches, parks, sidewalks, and restaurants — is illegal, even for medical patients.

What you can’t do: Transport cannabis between islands (inter-island transport is prohibited). Consume while operating any form of transportation. Enter dispensary restricted areas if under 21.

Dispensaries across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John are in the licensing and opening phase throughout 2026.

For the complete USVI guide with dispensary menus, island-by-island tips, and local news, visit our sister site vibehigh.vi.

Cruz Bay harbor at sunset, St. John

Current Cannabis Laws

Medical Marijuana

For Tourists

Recent News & Changes