Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has made history as the first member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)  to decriminalize marijuana for medical purposes and scientific research.

According to a release yesterday from the OECS, speaking from SVG, Minister for Agriculture, Saboto Caesar said the passing of the Bill in Parliament on the 11th December signified the Caribbean island was now positioned to become a globally leading medicinal cannabis hub not only in terms of high quality production but research.

“The planning of this innovative industry has been carefully conducted over a long period of time in close consultation with the agricultural sector and many different stakeholders to reach the level of maturity we see today.  “There is broad recognition and buy-in of the economic benefits this tightly controlled and regulated industry is expected to bring in terms of direct employment, the creation of support industries and foreign investment.(stabroeknews)…[+]