Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Hon. Michael Joseph, has praised the high standards of accountability and regulation within Antigua and Barbuda’s medicinal cannabis industry following an extensive tour of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority and several licensed facilities.

Accompanied by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamaria DeCastro, the minister visited the Authority to gain a firsthand understanding of its operations, regulatory systems and the progress being made in the country’s growing medicinal cannabis sector.

During the tour, Minister Joseph observed the Authority’s strict inventory management procedures, which track every cannabis plant and finished product through coded identification, digital scanning technology and weight verification systems.

“The level of accountability and oversight demonstrated by the Authority is commendable,” Minister Joseph said. “It is reassuring to see such robust systems in place to ensure transparency, quality control and compliance throughout the production process.”

The minister was also taken through the Authority’s processing facilities, where officials explained how medicinal cannabis oils and other therapeutic compounds are extracted. He also received updates on ongoing research into different cannabis genetics aimed at developing products designed to treat specific medical conditions.

As part of the visit, Minister Joseph toured several licensed medicinal cannabis dispensaries across Antigua and Barbuda, where he met with operators and learned more about the services being provided to patients as the industry continues to expand.

While commending the sector’s progress, the Health Minister emphasized that greater public education remains essential to help residents better understand the medical value of medicinal cannabis.

“There is a need for greater public education to help people better understand the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis when prescribed and used appropriately,” he said. “As this industry continues to evolve, it is essential that the public is equipped with accurate information that distinguishes medicinal use from recreational use.”

Minister Joseph also encouraged those who choose to use cannabis recreationally to do so responsibly, while reiterating that the government’s primary focus remains the continued development of a safe, well-regulated medicinal cannabis programme that supports healthcare innovation and improves patient care.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs said it remains committed to strengthening regulatory oversight, promoting evidence-based policies and expanding public awareness to ensure the medicinal cannabis industry develops in a safe, transparent and sustainable manner.