Medicinal Cannabis Development in St. Kitts and Nevis Strengthened by Visit of Regional Expert

A leading Caribbean cannabis science expert is set to engage stakeholders and the public as St. Kitts and Nevis continues to shape a regulated, sustainable medicinal cannabis sector.

A leading Caribbean cannabis science expert is set to engage stakeholders and the public as St. Kitts and Nevis continues to shape a regulated, sustainable medicinal cannabis sector.

Medicinal cannabis development in St. Kitts and Nevis is set to receive a major boost with the upcoming visit of regional cannabis science and horticulture expert Dr. Machel A. Emanuel, as the Federation continues to build a regulated, evidence-based industry.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Medicinal Cannabis Authority has confirmed that Dr. Emanuel will engage policymakers, health professionals, farmers, private sector stakeholders and community leaders during a series of meetings on both St. Kitts and Nevis. The engagements form part of the Authority’s consultative approach to advancing medicinal cannabis development in St. Kitts and Nevis through sound science, regional best practice and inclusive policy design.

As part of the public education component of his visit, Dr. Emanuel will appear on In Focus on ZIZ Television on Wednesday, 28th January, where he will discuss the role of medicinal cannabis in national development, opportunities for innovation and research, and lessons from across the Caribbean region.

Dr. Emanuel will also deliver a public lecture on Tuesday, 3rd February, under the theme “Medicinal Cannabis as a Driver of Sustainable Development for Small Island Caribbean States.” The lecture will examine how a well-regulated medicinal cannabis industry can support economic diversification, job creation, research capacity, public health outcomes and environmental sustainability in small island developing states such as St. Kitts and Nevis. Details regarding the venue and time are expected to be announced shortly.

A Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Life Sciences at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Dr. Emanuel is the Principal Investigator of the Life Science Cannabis Research Group. His work focuses on cannabis reform policy in the Caribbean and the application of tropical horticulture to ensure quality, efficacy and sustainability in cannabis production. His research includes collaboration with the Humboldt Seed Company to develop cannabis germplasm suitable for equatorial climates.

Dr. Emanuel also serves as Vice-Chair of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica Cannabis Technical Committee, contributing to the development of national standards for the cannabis industry. He has acted as a Technical Advisor to the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica on the establishment of a regulated cannabis sector and was recognised on the Leaf Nation 2024 Impact List for his contribution to the global cannabis industry.

The Medicinal Cannabis Authority has described the visit as a strategic step in strengthening policy, technical capacity and public understanding as medicinal cannabis development in St. Kitts and Nevis continues to evolve within a transparent, responsible and science-led framework.