Does the US Virgin Islands have a recreational use program?

Yes, recreational use is legal in US Virgin Islands. In 2023, cannabis became legal for recreational use in the US Virgin Islands.

The territory assembly approved the enactment of the legislation in 2022, and on January 18, 2023, it was signed into law. 

Does the US Virgin Islands have a medical program?

Yes, medical cannabis is legal in the US Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act was signed into law by Governor Albert Bryan on January 19, 2019.

The statute permits people to use and possess up to 4 ounces (110 g) of cannabis with a doctor’s recommendation for the treatment of specific qualifying medical illnesses. 

What are the rules for medical use?

In the Virgin Islands, qualified patients who want to use medical cannabis must apply to the Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR) for a registration card. This card lets them use, grow, and get medical cannabis legally.

To be eligible, individuals must have a debilitating medical condition documented by a written certification from a healthcare practitioner with whom they have a genuine relationship. Doctors, dentists, naturopaths, homeopaths, chiropractors, physician’s assistants, and nurse practitioners are just a few of the medical workers who can give certifications.

The Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR) gives caregivers ID cards and lets patients choose who will help them with their medical cannabis use. Patients can have more than one caregiver if they need extra help, which must be recorded based on the patient’s age or medical condition. Patients’ caregivers can get cannabis from dispensaries on their behalf, and only one of the patients or the caretaker can grow plants for the patient. The designated cultivator must be reported to the OCR. Caregivers must be at least 21 years old and can only help three patients at a time unless the patient is in a medical or residential center where the caregiver works.

Medical cannabis patients who are not residents of the USVI (people from other territories, states, or countries) or who have only been in the USVI for less than 45 days may obtain marijuana by showing their ID to the OCR and making sure their condition is legal in the Virgin Islands. Patients from other places that don’t have medical cannabis registration can also use medical cannabis with a doctor’s approval in the Virgin Islands and apply for a non-resident ID card.

What are the qualifying medical conditions for eligibility?

• Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
• AIDS/HIV
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s disease
• Arthritis
• Autism
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Crohn’s disease
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• Hospice care
• Huntington’s disease
• Neuropathic pain
• Ulcerative colitis
• Opiate use disorder
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

What are the medical program limits?

Cannabis patients can have up to 4 ounces of cannabis, 2 ounces of concentrates, and 2 ounces of cannabis products with them at all times. People with a card can also grow their cannabis plants.

What methods of use are permitted under the medical program?

There are no clear medical rules available.

Is there home delivery for medical cannabis?

There are no clear medical rules available.

Is CBD legal in the US Virgin Islands?

Yes, CBD is legal in the US Virgin Islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands’ general law permitting hemp-derived cannabis also permits the sale of synthetic cannabinoids and CBD with little to no regulation.

Is cannabis decriminalized in US Virgin Islands?

Yes, cannabis is decriminalized in US Virgin Islands.

People in the Virgin Islands between the ages of 18 and 21 who are caught with less than an ounce of cannabis face a civil crime that can lead to a fine of $100 to $200. People younger than 18 will also have to go through a drug awareness program. The decriminalization bill gets rid of jail time for small marijuana offenses.

People who are caught with more than two ounces of marijuana can go to jail for up to a year or pay a fine of up to $5,000. People who are only guilty of a first offense can also get probation. Once they finish their probation, all charges and public records will be expunged. If the defendant was younger than 21 at the time of the crime, all public records of the arrest and sentence will be expunged if they complete their probation. For second-time offenders, having any amount of marijuana on their person can get them up to two years in jail and/or a $10,000 fine.