The Caribbean nation of Grenada has taken a historic step toward drug policy reform with the publication of draft legislation to decriminalize cannabis. The Cannabis Legalisation and Regulation Secretariat has released the comprehensive Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Amendment Bill, 2026, scheduled for parliamentary consideration on Tuesday, January 20.
The groundbreaking legislation establishes a carefully regulated framework that balances personal freedoms with public safety concerns. Under the proposed measures, adults aged 21 and above would be permitted to possess up to 56 grams of cannabis and 15 grams of resin without criminal penalty. The bill further acknowledges cultural and religious practices by creating legal protections for Rastafarian communities to use cannabis as a sacrament in registered places of worship.
A significant social justice component mandates the expungement of past criminal records for minor cannabis offenses and immediately halts all pending court cases related to such charges. For young adults aged 18-20, the legislation replaces criminal prosecution with mandatory rehabilitation and counseling programs, preventing the creation of permanent criminal records.
The bill introduces regulated domestic cultivation, allowing households to grow up to four cannabis plants for medicinal, therapeutic, or horticultural purposes. However, the legislation explicitly does not establish a fully legalized recreational market. Public consumption remains prohibited with fixed penalties of EC$300, and strict boundaries are established around educational institutions and public spaces.
The framework includes robust protections for minors, maintaining strict prohibitions for anyone under 21 and imposing severe penalties on adults who involve young people in cannabis activities. The legislation is designed to pave the way for a comprehensive regulated cannabis industry while prioritizing public health and safety.
The Cannabis Legalisation and Regulation Secretariat is soliciting public feedback on the draft legislation through their official email address before the parliamentary debate.