The government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally endorsed the third iteration of its national Cannabis Festival, scheduled for April 17-20, 2026, across multiple venues in St. John’s and throughout the twin-island nation. The Cabinet’s approval signals continued governmental backing for the regulated expansion of the country’s medicinal cannabis sector.
During the post-Cabinet media briefing, Communications Director General Maurice Merchant characterized the decision as a strategic move to advance the nation’s position within the global medicinal cannabis marketplace. The festival, operating under the thematic banner “Connect. Celebrate. Rejuvenate,” will feature an integrated program combining educational, commercial, and cultural components.
The curated agenda includes an academic conference and trade exhibition at the American University of Antigua, designed to attract international investors and research specialists. Additional programming will incorporate a Rastafari spiritual assembly in Liberta, St. Paul’s, alongside wellness-oriented activities and a sunset cruise experience.
Government officials perceive the event as a multifaceted initiative to drive foreign investment, establish robust regulatory frameworks, and disseminate scientifically-grounded information regarding cannabis applications. The festival aims to transform Antigua and Barbuda into a specialized hub for medicinal cannabis within the Caribbean region while simultaneously celebrating the plant’s cultural significance.