| Law Title | Act Number | Year | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Referendum, Cruise Berthing Infrastructure, Gambling, and Cannabis Act, 2025 | (Act 1 of 2025) | 2025 | View Document |
| Misuse of Drugs Act (2017 Revision) | N/A | 2017 | View Document |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| General Overview | |
| Location | The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean known for its luxury tourism and financial services industry. |
| Population | Approximately 68,000 (2024 estimate). |
| Economy | Primarily driven by tourism, offshore finance, and real estate, with a growing interest in diversifying through medical cannabis. |
| Cannabis History & Culture | Traditionally prohibited, cannabis reform efforts began in 2017 with the legalization of medical cannabis, marking a significant cultural shift. |
| Current Legal Status | |
| Personal Use | Recreational cannabis remains illegal. Possession of up to 12 grams can result in imprisonment of up to one year for a first offense. |
| Medicinal Use | Legalized in 2017, medical cannabis is available in capsules, oral oil drops, and vaporized forms for prescribed treatment of conditions such as chronic pain, nausea from chemotherapy, epilepsy, and more. |
| Recreational Use | Not permitted. A referendum on decriminalizing small amounts of cannabis is planned for 2025. |
| Restrictions | Importing or exporting cannabis products, even for medicinal purposes, is strictly prohibited. Travelers must consult local medical providers for access during visits. |
| Projected Market Data | |
| Market Size Forecast | The medical cannabis sector is expected to grow steadily, particularly as clinical research expands and public acceptance increases. |
| Licensing Revenue | Potential revenues from licensing fees for dispensaries, production, and research operations could provide a new income stream for the government. |
| Economic Impact | The industry has the potential to create jobs, enhance healthcare outcomes, and diversify the Cayman Islands’ economy. |
| Cannabis Industry & Economy | |
| Key Players | – Cayman Islands Medical and Dental Society (CIMDS): Advocates for ethical practices and oversees medical cannabis safety. – Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee: Key figure in lifting restrictions on medical cannabis in 2020. – Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan: Leading efforts for a referendum on decriminalization. |
| Economic Potential | Medical cannabis represents an opportunity for Cayman to position itself as a regional hub for premium cannabis-based healthcare. |
| Commercial Initiatives | Local dispensaries like Doctors Express and Cayman Islands Hospital provide access to medical cannabis. Further initiatives include exploring decriminalization to attract investment and support tourism. |
| Research & Development | |
| Academic Partnerships | Potential collaborations with global research institutions to explore cannabis applications and its role in advanced medical treatments. |
| Research Focus | Focus on developing precise dosing methods, optimizing cannabinoid ratios, and expanding the range of conditions treated with medical cannabis. |
| Potential Collaborations | Opportunities for partnerships with international pharmaceutical companies to improve product offerings and quality standards. |
| Cultural & Social Dynamics | |
| Cultural Acceptance | Public sentiment toward cannabis is gradually evolving, with discussions on decriminalization signaling growing acceptance. |
| Social Programs | Plans to educate the public on the benefits and risks of cannabis, particularly regarding medical applications. |
| Community Impact | Potential to alleviate stigma through decriminalization and expand access to cannabis for therapeutic use. |
| Environment & Sustainability | |
| Agricultural Practices | The Cayman Islands’ small land area limits large-scale cannabis cultivation, emphasizing the need for sustainable and efficient production methods. |
| Environmental Challenges | Strict environmental management required to balance development of cannabis production facilities with conservation of local ecosystems. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Emphasis on eco-friendly production methods and responsible waste management for medical cannabis products. |
| Challenges & Opportunities | |
| Challenges | – Overcoming strict legal restrictions on cannabis trade and production. – Managing the stigma associated with cannabis use. – Ensuring compliance with international conventions on drug control. |
| Opportunities | – Leveraging medical tourism to attract international patients seeking cannabis-based treatments. – Developing high-quality medical cannabis products for export. – Establishing the Cayman Islands as a leader in cannabis research and healthcare innovation. |
| Key Recommendations | |
| For Policymakers | – Expedite planning for the 2025 referendum to address public concerns about cannabis laws. – Strengthen regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and efficacy in medical cannabis production and distribution. – Encourage collaboration between government, healthcare providers, and industry stakeholders. |
| For Investors | – Explore opportunities in medical cannabis production, retail, and research. – Invest in infrastructure to support medical tourism centered on cannabis treatments. – Partner with local healthcare providers to integrate cannabis into advanced medical care. |
| For Communities | – Engage in public education initiatives to reduce stigma and promote informed discussions on cannabis. – Advocate for responsible policies that balance economic benefits with social equity. |
| Licensing | |
| Cultivation License | Not currently available due to restrictions on cannabis cultivation. |
| Dispensary License | Licensed facilities provide regulated access to medical cannabis products. |
| Research License | Opportunities for institutions to study cannabis-based treatments and develop innovative applications. |
| Export License | Not yet permitted under existing laws. |
| Annexes and References | |
| Key Documents | – Medical Cannabis Legalization Act (2017). – Proposed Referendum on Decriminalization (2025). – Cayman Islands Misuse of Drugs Law. |
| References | – Cayman Resident, “Medical Cannabis in the Cayman Islands.” – AP News, “Cayman Islands to Hold Referendum on Decriminalizing Cannabis” (2024). – International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (1999). |
| 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 the Cayman Islands’ medical cannabis industry, licensing opportunities, and partnership prospects. |