by Curlan Campbell
- Cannabis reforms are measured shift, not introduction to an unrestricted market
- No cultivation limits will be imposed on Rastafari institutions
- Outside of registered Rastafari places of worship and approved exempt events, possession limits apply equally to all individuals in public settings
CEO of the Cannabis Commission for Legalisation and Regulation Secretariat Nandy Noel has confirmed that no cultivation limits will be imposed on Rastafari institutions under Grenada’s proposed cannabis reforms — an exemption that applies specifically and exclusively to the Rastafari community and not to the public.
“We have not set any limits for the Rastafari with regard to their cultivation and their use, which is why a comprehensive registration of all Rastafari places of worship is vital,” Noel said. “Again, our intent is not to control but safeguard the Rastafari community and ensure they can practice their sacrament securely and without hindrance.”
The clarification comes as the Cannabis Commission for Legalisation and Regulation’s Secretariat publishes the draft Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Amendment Bill, 2026, which is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, 20 January. The draft legislation and its accompanying policy statement are available on the Cannabis Commission’s website.
While Rastafari institutions will benefit from religious recognition and sacramental protections, the secretariat stressed that all other citizens must comply strictly with the limits and regulations set out in the bill.
The bill outlines a framework for decriminalisation. It permits the possession of up to 56 grams of cannabis and up to15 grams of cannabis resin for individuals aged 21 and older. Quantities of cannabis between 57 and 70 grams are classified as possession offences, while 71 grams or more is considered trafficking.
Public smoking remains prohibited and is subject to a fixed penalty fine of EC$300, and cannabis use remains strictly prohibited for anyone under 21.
Outside of registered Rastafari places of worship and approved exempt events, possession limits apply equally to all individuals, including Rastafari members in public settings.
“Apart from sacrament and apart from special event exemptions as may be granted by the Minister, Rastafari individuals would fall into the bracket of every other citizen, whereas, if you’re travelling on any given day, you’re still limited to carry up to 56 grams of cannabis and up to 15 grams of cannabis resin,” Noel said.
For the general public, cultivation is limited. The bill allows registered households to grow up to 4 cannabis plants per household for medicinal, therapeutic, or horticultural purposes.
Noel underscored that registration systems — both for households and Rastafari groups — are designed for protection rather than control. “And note that any sort of registration on a licensing system that we introduce under the cannabis industry is not meant to control, but it’s meant to keep all of the licensees safe and to help us monitor whatever activities they’re doing for their safety. So, it’s not meant to control,” Noel said.
Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs, Labour and Consumer Affairs Claudette Joseph stressed the relevance of Grenada building a medical cannabis industry, citing its uses. “There is established scientific and research-based evidence of the medicinal value that cannabis possesses for persons suffering from various types of medical ailments, ranging from certain types of cancer to neurological conditions, epilepsy and related afflictions. So, in Grenada, we are getting on board with what is now accepted as international standards in relation to the decriminalisation of cannabis.”
The bill also advances social justice measures, including the expungement of criminal records for minor cannabis offences and the immediate discontinuation of qualifying cases currently before the courts. For individuals aged 18 to 20, criminal charges will be replaced with mandatory rehabilitation and counselling, ensuring no criminal record is created.
According to cannabis-related arrest data from the Drug Squad of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) for 2022–2023, analysed by the Cannabis Secretariat, show that most cases involved low-level offences, with 46% classified as simple possession, 16% involving quantities of 56 grams or less, and 4% related only to paraphernalia, indicating these incidents were more likely associated with personal use rather than the illicit drug trade. Of the 210 cases recorded, 10% involved youth aged 14 to 20, while simple possession alone accounted for 46% of all arrests, making it the most common cannabis-related offence. Overall, more than 90% of arrests — 190 cases — were of individuals aged 21 or older.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Lennox Andrews emphasised that the reform is not about unrestricted access. “This is a measured shift, not an introduction to an unrestricted market.” “This bill represents a paradigm shift, a change in the status quo, a break with the past, a new construct, which, when passed in Parliament, will become the new conventional wisdom regarding our attitudes and our approach and of our image towards marijuana in this country.”
The legislation represents Phase One of Grenada’s cannabis reform. According to Noel, Phase Two — expected within 3 to 6 months of the bill’s passage — will focus on building a national policy framework and developing a regulated medicinal cannabis industry.
“Yes, there is a timeline we’re working with, 3 to 6 months following the passing of this cannabis decriminalisation bill,” Noel said. “Once we have that framework as a policy, it shall dictate administration as such.”
Government officials have repeatedly stressed that the draft Bill does not legalise recreational cannabis and does not create an unrestricted market, but instead establishes a carefully regulated, culturally respectful, and phased approach tailored to Grenada’s social and institutional realities.