Officials Defend Slow Progress on V.I. Cannabis Industry, Lawmakers Push for Details

V.I. Office of Cannabis Regulations and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affair.

Top officials from the V.I. Office of Cannabis Regulations and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs assured lawmakers on Wednesday that slow progress in establishing the territory’s cannabis industry was essential for long-term success. While members of the 35th Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture received updates on efforts, some pressed for more concrete details as the public grows eager for legitimate access to cannabis.

Executive Director Joanne Moorehead, who took office in May, emphasized the need for increased public engagement as various components of the industry are put in place. Moorehead highlighted the agency’s registry, which is now open to business agents, medical practitioners, patients, and sacramental organizations. She added that applications for cannabis-related business licenses would be discussed at the next meeting of the Cannabis Advisory Board and urged the public to visit the agency’s website to read the 130-page document laying out guidelines for legal participation in the cannabis industry

“We recognize that this has been a long time coming and appreciate the patience of the public as we work diligently to get this right,” Moorehead said.

In his testimony, DLCA Commissioner Horace Graham backed the cautious approach, stressing the importance of building a well-regulated and efficient industry. “We recognize the importance of a well-regulated and efficient industry,” Graham said.