News

The Government of Dominica has taken a bold step toward reshaping the medical, agricultural, and economic future of the country, with the launch of a two-day National Cannabis Symposium, held at the State House Conference Centre from July 9–10.

The event brings together regional and international experts, policymakers, medical professionals, legal advocates, and grassroots organizations to chart a path toward a regulated and sustainable medicinal cannabis industry on the island.

The symposium, themed “Regulatory and Economic Environment for a Viable Medicinal Cannabis Industry”, is the first of its kind in Dominica and signals a shift in national thinking about cannabis and its potential.

Member of Parliament for the Roseau Central Constituency, Hon. Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, highlighted the cultural and environmental significance of the island’s natural resources. She stressed that the symposium is not just about economic policy, but about liberating Dominica from outdated paradigms.

“As we advocate for the sustainable development of our land, we recognize that there are fundamental weaknesses that lie between the common threads that bind us. Our ability to make progress therefore requires that we release those colonial shackles and self-imposed ties that hinder us and that we pay close attention to pour traditions with a view of embracing new opportunities for growth and economic development. And it is for this reason that this National Cannabis symposium is convened.”

Programme Director for Health, Social Inclusion and Social Protection at the OECS Dr. Roxanne Brizan-St. Martin, emphasized the regional significance of the discussions.

“This forum serves as another vital channel for regionalism aligning seamlessly with our vision for fostering regional integration which remains at the core of the initiatives at the OECS Commission.  It is indeed encouraging to witness the diverse representation from national stakeholders both grassroots and policy oriented, as well as from regional and international partners all converging to engage in this discourse. The dialogue encapsulates the intricate dynamics between legalization, public health considerations, economic opportunities and social attitudes.”

Dr. Brizan-St. Martin also tied the symposium’s goals to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“The sustainability of the medicinal cannabis industry hinges fundamentally on our ability to aptly navigates these inter- relationships recognizing that each facet presents its own set of challenges and necessitates a thoughtful assessment of its impact on our communities. The interconnectedness to the sustainable development goals also encompasses several critical areas, namely no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, decent work and economic growth, industry and infrastructure as well as partnerships for the goals.”

Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services Hon. Cassanni Laville, described the symposium as a gateway to major health system reforms.

“This is much more than merely regulating a plant. It’s about reshaping health systems and building frameworks that put people, not profit, at the center of progress. Dominica is on the threshold of bold reform. Our government is carefully exploring the development of national cannabis legislation, that is evidence based, socially just and economically sustainable. “

Hon. Laville explained that Dominica is not starting from scratch, having already taken important steps such as decriminalizing small quantities for personal use. Work has also begun on the establishing of the framework for a regulated medical cannabis industry with an emphasis on research, cultivation, quality control and also to look at its export potential.

“We are learning from the experiences of our regional partners and neighbors. We are also grounding this work in the reality of our own culture, where natural medicine, herbal knowledge and community-based wellness has long existed in harmony with our people’s needs. As Minister for Health, Wellness and Social services, I want to reaffirm a key principle: public health and safety must remain the bedrock of cannabis reform in Dominica.”

He added that “cannabis reform holds real promise for our health care sector especially in expanding patient care, reducing health costs and promoting innovation. Medical cannabis opens doors to new therapeutic options for patients suffering from conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, glaucoma and side effects of chemotherapy.”

Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Roland Royer, underscored the economic potential and urgency of regional action.

“We gather here not merely to discuss Cannabis but to shape the future for and emerging green economy, one grounded in equity, innovation and sustainability. This two-day symposium is a catalyst and a platform for bold ideas, strategic dialogue and regional solidarity. It is a call to action for policy makers researchers, investors, health professionals and most importantly our people.”

With global projections estimating the medicinal cannabis industry to surpass $100 billion, Minister Royer emphasized the need for strategic investment and policy alignment across agriculture, health, and business.

“Globally, the medicinal cannabis industry is on the rise. Estimates project growth beyond 100 billion U.S dollars in the coming years. Countries around the world are rapidly moving to regulate, commercialize, and integrate cannabis into their health system, agricultural economies and research agendas. In this context, the OECS must not be left behind. Dominica must not be left behind.”

Acting Prime Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre reinforced the government's commitment to long-term development and inclusive growth. “Our objective during this symposium is to explore the vast potential of the cannabis plant for public health, economic empowerment, agricultural revitalization and social equity,” he stated. “Cannabis reform grounded in science, responsible regulation, and broad-based consultation is both a national imperative and a regional opportunity.”

He cited the 2024/2025 national budget, which includes provisions for developing legislation to ensure safe access to medicinal cannabis products while creating economic opportunities for local growers and processors.

“We are steadfast in our belief that this emerging industry must be built on the pillars of quality, sustainability and inclusiveness. Dominica’s approach is rooted in our broad objective: to modernize agriculture and create value added products. We are focused on unlocking a value chain that stretches from research and cultivations to processing, manufacturing and export.”

The symposium is expected to conclude with a roadmap for advancing legislation and investment opportunities in Dominica’s cannabis sector, with emphasis on sustainability, public health, and regional cooperation.