Basseterre, St. Kitts. May 6, 2025. Chairwoman of the Cannabis Board, Jihan Williams-Knight, appeared on the radio program “Groundings” on Friday, May 2, where she continued her public education campaign on the evolving landscape of medicinal cannabis in St. Kitts and Nevis. Her appearance came just days after the official launch of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority, an initiative she described as a major step in bringing cannabis “from the law books to the street.”
While speaking on the program, Williams-Knight emphasized the need to raise awareness and clarify misconceptions surrounding medicinal cannabis.
“Sometimes we take it for granted that people understand what we’re talking about, because I remember talking with an older lady and she was telling me that she heard that I’m going to be selling cannabis. I told her, it’s not that I am going to be selling cannabis. The law allows for persons who are suffering with certain medical conditions who desire to be treated with medicinal cannabis to be able to go to a doctor and that doctor would be able to say, for this particular treatment or condition, we prescribe certain grams of using the flour or edibles or the oils or some other medicinal product,” she said, as she recounted a conversation with a resident.
Now functioning under the Ministry of Agriculture, the Medicinal Cannabis Authority is tasked with overseeing the implementation and regulation of the medicinal cannabis industry. Williams-Knight explained that the Authority reports directly to Minister of Agriculture Hon. Samal Duggins, and is structured with a Board of Directors and an executive arm comprising a CEO, Deputy, Public Relations Officer, Quality Assurance Manager, and support staff. The goal of the Authority is to provide a safe and legal regulatory system.
The Board, chaired by Williams-Knight who represents the Attorney General’s Office, includes representatives from key institutions such as the Ministry of Finance, Customs, the Police Force, and the Ministry of Health, as well as appointed members from the public. The diverse team includes Deputy Chair Terrence DeCosta, Accountant General Levi Bradshaw, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Tavo Sargeant, Assistant Commissioner of Police Andre Mitchell (Police), Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Curtis Martin and several advocates and community representatives such as Samande ‘Ras Iya’ Reid, Delroy ‘Ras Iroy’ Pinney, and Lynvie Burnham, among others.
The goal of the Authority, she noted, is to facilitate access to medicinal cannabis products like oils, edibles, and flower-based treatments for patients over the age of 21 with qualifying conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain, and glaucoma, all under professional medical guidance.
Wlliams- Knight also outlined that a vision of the Board is to create licensed lounges – places where individuals can access and use their prescribed treatment in a safe, controlled environment.
She also highlighted opportunities in cultivation, processing, retail, and research, urging citizens to explore licensing options and get involved in building a responsible, economically viable industry.
Her remarks followed the April 25 launch of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority on Prince’s Street in Basseterre. The launch has been heralded by government leaders as a cultural, economic, and healthcare milestone.
Minister of Agriculture Hon. Samal Duggins called it “a bold step forward,” noting the importance of learning from global best practices. He also announced a groundbreaking policy benefiting the Rastafarian community: full licensing fee waivers under the Rastafari Rights Recognition Act 2023, a move he described as a “commitment to fairness and historical acknowledgement.”
Attorney General Hon. Garth Wilkin, Acting Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, and other dignitaries voiced strong support for the initiative, which they said represents a new era of transparency, inclusivity, and responsible innovation in the Federation.
Williams-Knight concluded her Groundings appearance with a clear message of encouraging nationals to take advantage of the opportunities. She emphasized that the regulatory body is about improving lives, creating access, and developing a system that serves public health and social equity.
The Medicinal Cannabis Authority is expected to begin processing license applications in the coming weeks, and additional community outreach activities are planned throughout the summer.
Photo: Jihan Williams-Knight on Groundings
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