Dominica has officially taken a strategic step toward building a future-facing cannabis industry. The country’s government recently launched the National Cannabis Advisory Committee, a diverse panel charged with evaluating marijuana’s impact and unlocking its potential to shape a regulated cannabis economy.
But make no mistake—this isn’t a hasty move or a PR stunt. It’s a calculated pivot toward modernization, rooted in science, culture, and community voices.
A Turning Point for Cannabis Policy
The National Cannabis Advisory Committee was established by Cabinet and will operate for a period of 12 to 18 months. Its mission is clear: assess the legal, social, medical, and economic implications of cannabis use in Dominica and use those insights to inform long-term policy.
The inaugural meeting, held April 2, 2025, brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Representatives from the public and private sectors, civil society, academia, and technical disciplines all came to the table. It marked the beginning of what could become one of the most progressive policy shifts in Dominica’s modern history.
The Committee isn’t just talking—they’re listening. They’ve committed to launching public consultations, hearing from everyday citizens, cultural leaders, medical experts, and industry professionals. This collaborative approach ensures the final recommendations will reflect the values and needs of the Dominican people, not just the views of policymakers.
Elevating Evidence Over Assumptions
Too often, cannabis policy is driven by emotion, stigma, or outdated thinking. Dominica’s approach flips that script. The Committee is leaning into an “evidence-based review” model, putting hard science and verified data at the core of every recommendation.
Medical research will play a huge role in the conversation. From chronic pain to neurological disorders, global studies on the therapeutic benefits of marijuana are impossible to ignore. The Committee’s chair, Dr. Kenneth Darroux—a seasoned former minister with experience in both governance and health—stressed the need to center the policy framework on facts, not fear.
This balanced approach also recognizes the plant’s deep roots in Caribbean culture. For many communities, cannabis has never been a “drug”—it’s been a sacrament, a medicine, and a way of life. The Advisory Committee is committed to honoring those cultural perspectives as part of the national discussion.
Building the Blueprint: The National Cannabis Road Map
Beyond reviewing current data and collecting feedback, the Committee has an even bigger job ahead: crafting a National Cannabis Road Map. This strategic blueprint will lay out a pathway for launching a cannabis sector that’s innovative, sustainable, and socially responsible.
Rather than taking a copy-and-paste approach from other countries, Dominica aims to tailor its strategy to local needs. That includes identifying the country’s competitive advantages—such as its fertile land, climate, and cultural affinity for the plant—and developing a regulatory environment that supports economic growth without compromising public health.
The Road Map will address everything from cultivation standards to business licensing and quality control. It’s also expected to prioritize equitable access, ensuring that small farmers and local entrepreneurs aren’t boxed out of the market by large corporations.
A Regulated Future: What’s Next?
Another bold element of the plan is the proposal for a National Cannabis Regulatory Commission. This body would eventually oversee the enforcement of new cannabis laws, helping to maintain transparency, accountability, and safety as the industry grows.
If the Advisory Committee’s recommendations are accepted, Dominica could soon have a legal cannabis framework that rivals some of the most progressive nations in the world. And it’s not just about catching up—it’s about leading from a place of intention and integrity.
The implications go far beyond economics. Legalizing and regulating cannabis could also play a role in reducing incarceration rates, redirecting police resources, and reversing some of the generational harms caused by prohibition. It’s a moment of reckoning—and a real chance for restorative justice.
Leadership That Looks Like the People
Representation matters, especially when it comes to policy that affects everyday lives. The Committee is co-chaired by Ryan Anselm, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, and Dr. Kyra Paul, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health. Their involvement signals a holistic approach—one that considers cannabis as both an agricultural product and a public health issue.
By pulling expertise from multiple sectors and prioritizing inclusivity, the Committee is creating a space where innovation meets accountability. Their collective work won’t just shape cannabis policy; it could inspire similar models across the Caribbean.
Eyes on the Global Market
Dominica’s timing is strategic. Around the world, the legal cannabis industry is exploding, with projections topping hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade. Regional competitors like Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have already made moves. Dominica is now positioning itself not just to participate—but to compete.
That means attracting investors, supporting small businesses, and setting up local supply chains. It also means embracing technology, research, and global standards. If executed properly, the cannabis industry could become a key pillar of the country’s green economy.
But this isn’t just about money. It’s about aligning policy with the real-world experiences of Dominicans—from Rastafarians who’ve practiced sacramental use for generations to youth seeking new job opportunities in a transforming world.
Closing Thoughts
The launch of Dominica’s National Cannabis Advisory Committee represents more than just a policy move—it’s a cultural and economic shift guided by wisdom, evidence, and community input. By taking this intentional approach, the country is laying the groundwork for a modern cannabis ecosystem that could offer opportunity, justice, and growth.
Dominica’s cannabis story is still being written—but this chapter is already sounding like a game-changer.
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