The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is emerging as a pivotal force in harmonizing the fragmented cannabis regulations across the Caribbean, a move that could enhance regional trade, testing, and inclusivity. At the 2nd Cannabliss Conference in St Vincent and the Grenadines, regulators from various islands emphasized the urgent need for alignment to compete globally. Currently, each island operates under its own system, from Jamaica’s established cannabis authority to Saint Lucia’s pending legislation. However, this patchwork of laws has stifled investment and hindered the development of regional supply chains. Dylan Norbert-Inglis, Saint Lucia’s cannabis regulator, highlighted that harmonization is essential for creating a unified stance. A collaborative framework would enable Caribbean states to share testing facilities, facilitate cross-border trade, and ensure the participation of traditional farmers and small cultivators. The Caribbean Cannabis Forum has already laid the groundwork for cooperation, with regulators exchanging insights on issues ranging from pesticide use to sacramental practices. Barbados’ Shanika Roberts-Odle noted that while her country’s cautious approach reflects social realities, harmonization could lower barriers for small players, such as high fees and stringent security requirements. Jamaica, a pioneer in cannabis reform, has embedded its Alternative Development programme into regulations to support traditional farmers—a model other islands could adopt through OECS channels. Beyond licensing, regulators stressed the importance of harmonized testing and export standards. Antigua’s Regis Burton warned that without common benchmarks, inter-island trade would remain challenging. St Vincent’s investment in a modern laboratory underscores the need for a regional network to make such resources accessible to smaller states. Rastafari representatives urged regulators to prioritize social justice, emphasizing that the industry’s development should be inclusive and equitable. The consensus was clear: OECS-led coordination could provide the scale and coherence the region needs to thrive in the global cannabis market.
