Governance & Regulations

VI Code & Laws

The laws in the U.S. Virgin Islands Code are passed by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, which was created by the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands in 1954. The Legislature of the Virgin Islands contains 15 members, who serve two-year terms and are not subject to any term limits.

Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act

The Cannabis Use Act (Act 8680) serves as the primary legislation regulating cannabis use in the U.S. Virgin Islands, covering both medicinal and adult use. It defines essential industry terms, outlines the responsibilities of the Cannabis Advisory Board and the Office of Cannabis Regulation, and specifies the requirements for permits, identification cards, and licenses. The act also sets guidelines on who may use cannabis, as well as limits on usage and cultivation. Act 8680 was later amended through Act 8925.

Rules & Regulations

The Rules and Regulations for the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act of 2023 were approved by the Cannabis Advisory Board on April 17, 2024, and signed by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on May 4, 2024. This comprehensive document, established under Act 8680, regulates all aspects of cannabis use in the US Virgin Islands.

Cannabis Advisory Board

Pursuant to Act 8680, §777b, “the Office of Cannabis Regulations is governed by an eleven-member Board known as the Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board, appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Legislature.”

LAWMAKERS APPROVE LEASES AND BILLS IN LEGISLATIVE SESSION

ST. THOMAS – The 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, led by Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr. convened in regular legislative session at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers approved numerous leases and bills.

Bill No. 35-0283, An Act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part III, chapter 34, the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act. The measure was proposed by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Javan E. James, Sr.

The Senate’s Rules and Judiciary Committee Approves Several Pieces of Legislation

ST. CROIX – The Senate’s Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Diane T. Capehart met Thursday, October 10, 2024, in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix. 

Bill No. 35-0283 – An Act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part III, chapter 34, the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act. Sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Javan E. James, Sr.

COMMITTEE RECEIVES STATUS UPDATE ON OFFICE OF CANNABIS REGULATION, CONSIDERS CANNABIS USE BILL

ST. CROIX – The 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers received a status update on the overall status of the USVI Office of Cannabis Regulations, including the implementation of Act 8680, and licensing procedures for the cannabis industry.

Address

Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs
Property & Procurement Building
8201 Subbase, Suite 1
St. Thomas, VI 00802

Office Hours

Mon – Fri : 8am - 4pm
Sat & Sun : Closed
Excluding federal and local holidays

Contact Us

(340) 714-9755
info.ocr@ocr.vi.gov

The Virgin Islands Office of Cannabis Regulations develops and supports the cannabis industry of the Virgin Islands to allow for the beneficial use of cannabis in a regulated system.