| Law Title | Act Number | Year | Link |
|---|
| Drug Prevention (Amendment) Act 2020 | ACT NO. 16 OF 2020. | 2020 | View Document |
| Draft Cannabis Law for Dominica | Draft 2025 | 2025 | View Draft |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| General Overview | |
| Location | Dominica, a small island nation in the Caribbean renowned for its pristine natural environment and ecotourism. |
| Population | Approximately 72,000 (2024 estimate). |
| Economy | Dominica’s key economic sectors are agriculture, tourism, services, and remittances. |
| Cannabis History & Culture | With the recent decriminalizing and a long history of cannabis use on the island, locals widely use cannabis for recreational, medical, and therapeutic purposes. Very little stigma. |
| Current Legal Status | |
| Personal Use | Decriminalized in 2020: possession of up to 28 grams (1 oz) and cultivation of up to three plants allowed for personal use. |
| Medicinal Use | Legislation in development to regulate medicinal cannabis and its byproducts. |
| Recreational Use | Recreational use remains prohibited beyond the decriminalized allowances. |
| Restrictions | Harsh penalties for unlicensed cultivation, production, and trafficking remain under existing laws. |
| Projected Market Data | |
| Market Size Forecast | Cannabis market expected to meet or exceed the current alcohol market (valued at approximately USD 40 million annually). |
| Revenue Streams | Light taxation program on sales, exports and imports; licensing fees; and residuals from testing and mandated education |
| Economic Impact | Proposed law will bolster agriculture, travel, tourism, import and export sectors, while creating jobs and opening new opportunities for local business owners. |
| Cannabis Industry & Economy | |
| Key Players | – Cannabis Authority: To be established in 2025 to oversee and regulate the industry. –Hon. Roland Royer Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy –Dr. AI Casimir, Senior Officer Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy – Dr. Irving McIntyre: Minister of Finance, spearheading cannabis reforms. – Dr. Emmanuel: Consultant advisor with extensive experience in cannabis regulation, aiding policy and industry development. |
| Economic Potential | Significant opportunity in setting standards for cultivation, production, and best practices throughout the Caribbean while developing cannabis-derived products and services for the hospitality, tourism, and export markets. |
| Commercial Initiatives | Open commercial production of CBD and cannabis products: biomass, building materials, smokeable flower, pre-rolls, beverages, food, confectionery, topicals, oils, and beauty products. |
| Research & Development | |
| Academic Partnerships | Collaborations with regional universities and research organizations to study and teach cannabis cultivation and sector specializations. |
| Research Focus | Emphasis on sustainable cultivation methods and the development of high-value cannabis byproducts, including therapeutic oils and skincare items. |
| Potential Collaborations | Opportunities for partnerships with international research institutions and industry stakeholders to refine and expand cannabis applications. |
| Cultural & Social Dynamics | |
| Cultural Acceptance | Increased public acceptance of cannabis for medicinal purposes, with growing support for its potential economic benefits. |
| Social Programs | Planned public education campaigns to raise awareness about safe cannabis use and best practises. |
| Community Impact | Law promotes opportunities to empower marginalized groups, farmers, and the local workforce to benefit first. The taxation structure allows for support to education. |
| Environment & Sustainability | |
| Agricultural Practices | Focus on eco-friendly and sustainable cultivation methods, leveraging Dominica’s rich natural resources. |
| Environmental Challenges | Balancing environmental protection with the expansion of cannabis cultivation and processing. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Plans to integrate sustainable practices into cannabis production to align with Dominica’s green initiatives. |
| Challenges & Opportunities | |
| Challenges | – Developing comprehensive legislation and regulatory frameworks. – Competing with larger Caribbean markets. – Educating the public on the economic and health benefits of cannabis. |
| Opportunities | – Leveraging Dominica’s ecotourism industry to promote cannabis tourism. – Developing high-value cannabis products for export. – Establishing Dominica as a regional leader in medicinal cannabis. |
| Key Recommendations | |
| For Policymakers | – Expedite the establishment of the Cannabis Authority and related regulations. – Invest in public awareness and education campaigns to promote safe and informed cannabis use. – Encourage permaculture practices with smallholder farmers to participate in the cannabis industry. |
| For Investors | – Focus on high-growth areas such as medicinal cannabis, skincare, and therapeutic products. – Focus on high-growth areas such as medicinal cannabis, skincare, and therapeutic products. – Partner with local businesses like beverage, beauty and tourism to integrate cannabis into already existing businesses. – Leverage Dominica’s strategic location and natural resources for export opportunities. |
| For Communities | – Engage in stakeholder consultations to shape an inclusive and equitable cannabis industry. – Participate in training programs to maximize local benefits from cannabis cultivation and processing. – Benefit from the success with added economic relief to education and healthcare systems. |
| Licensing | |
| Cultivation License | Proposed under the new legislation; aimed at both small-scale farmers and commercial operators. |
| Processing License | Planned for operators to produce cannabis oils, edibles, and skincare items. |
| Retail License | Proposed for establishments to sell cannabis products within the regulatory framework. |
| Research License | Opportunities for institutions and businesses to study cannabis applications and market potential. |
| Export License | Planned for the export of cannabis and its byproducts, with a focus on oils and therapeutic goods. |
| Annexes and References | |
| Key Documents | – Draft Cannabis Legislation (2024). – Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, Chapter 40:07. – Decriminalization Amendment Act (2020). |
| References | – Dominica News Online, July 27, 2024. – Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, Chapter 40:07. – International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, 1995. |
| Call to Action | Investors and stakeholders are encouraged to contact the International Society of Cannabis (ISC) at investors@is-cannabis.com for detailed guidance on Dominica’s cannabis industry, licensing opportunities, and partnership prospects. |