St Kitts wants cautious approach to marijuana use

BASSETERRE, ST Kitts, CMC – Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew says the integration of cannabis into the St Kitts and Nevis society must be done responsibly to safeguard the economy, public health, as well as the social and financial stability of the twin-island federation.

In a statement to Parliament, he said the government remains committed to a “careful and measured” approach to cannabis reform, noting that while his administration has taken historic steps to recognise the rights of the Rastafari community and reform outdated laws, it has done so with a deep understanding of the potential risks associated with mismanagement.

“And therefore, Madam Speaker, we are being responsible with how we introduce cannabis as part of our way of life here in St Kitts and Nevis, it has to be done responsibly,” Prime Minister said, adding that the government’s legislative framework strikes a deliberate balance, protecting constitutional rights while ensuring that systems are in place to prevent abuse, economic disruption, and harm to citizens.

He said that his administration has moved decisively to ensure that Rastafarians are able to practice their faith freely, without fear of criminalisation, while at the same time, cautioning against any actions that could undermine the country’s financial stability, particularly in relation to international banking relationships.

Drew said that adherence to the law is not optional but essential to maintaining confidence in the federation’s financial system.

“I want to say to those who are entering into this to make sure that they follow the laws, and that St Kitts and Nevis is seen as a country that follows the laws when it comes to the issue of cannabis,” he said, highlighting the importance of protecting public health.

Drew, a medical practitioner, said cannabis use, like any regulated substance, must be managed in a way that safeguards others, particularly vulnerable populations, and as he addressed the issue of medicinal cannabis, he made it clear that while there is potential for therapeutic use, strict regulation is necessary to ensure safety and quality.

“When people get a product in St Kitts and Nevis for medicinal purposes, they must know that this product is regulated, that what’s in it, or what is claimed to be in it is in it, and so that the overall health is protected.”

Prime Minister urged all citizens and stakeholders to act responsibly and in accordance with the law, reinforcing that the Government’s approach is designed to protect both present and future generations.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Garth Wilkin, in providing a detailed explanation of the government’s position on cannabis legislation, sought to explain why full legalisation is not currently feasible for St. Kitts and Nevis due to significant international financial and legal constraints.

In a ministerial statement to Parliament, Wilkin said that while the government has implemented progressive reforms, particularly in recognising religious freedoms and decriminalizing certain aspects of cannabis use, these measures must remain aligned with international obligations.

He said that St Kitts and Nevis is bound by international treaties that restrict the full legalisation of cannabis for non-medicinal and non-religious purposes, and that any deviation could have severe consequences for the Federation’s financial system.

“What that means is that if we were to legalise, our corresponding banking relationships would almost come to an end,” he warned, adding that the Federation’s participation in the global financial system depends heavily on correspondent banking relationships with institutions in the United States, Europe, and other major economies, jurisdictions where cannabis remains illegal.

“So if you were to make money from cannabis in St Kitts and Nevis, and those countries were, those banks were to realise that anybody in St Kitts and Nevis could legally make money from cannabis, they would cut off our banking system from the international finance system,” he explained.

Wilkin said that such an outcome would have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from international trade to the ability of citizens to conduct basic financial transactions abroad.

“It would cause irreparable harm to our banking system,” the Attorney General said, highlighting the government’s structured approach, which includes the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework encompassing religious use, freedom of conscience, and a regulated medicinal cannabis regime.

“The New Cannabis regime legalizes religious and freedom of conscience, cultivation, possession and use of cannabis,” he said, noting that the Constitution protects freedom of conscience, including religious freedom.

He also made reference to the extensive public education efforts undertaken by the Government, including the launch of an official cannabis information platform designed to help citizens understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.

The Attorney General encouraged all citizens to familiarise themselves with the legal framework and to comply fully with the regulations, emphasising that the government’s approach reflects a careful balance between reform and responsibility.

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