USVI Public Records

Document text

THE OFFICE OF CANNABIS REGULATIONS AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SHARES UPDATE ON OPERATIONS - Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Close About Us History Functions and Structure FY 2026 Budget Honor Roll Rules of the 36th Legislative Youth Advisory Council Application Careers Archives Legislative Archives Tours × St. Thomas Senators  St. John Senators  St.Croix Senators  Districts All Senators St. Croix St. Thomas - St. John Senator at Large × Committees Committee of the Whole Budget, Appropriation and Finance Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Economic Development and Agriculture Education and Workforce Development Government Operations, Veteran Affairs and Consumer Protection Health, Hospitals and Human Services Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications Rules and Judiciary Session Folder × No event found! Calendars Bi-Weekly Senate Calendar Session Agenda × Dialog window Dialog window General Senators Committees Media Calendars Contact ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURE | Press Releases | Senator Javan E. James Sr. THE OFFICE OF CANNABIS REGULATIONS AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SHARES UPDATE ON OPERATIONS Published: Sep 13, 2023 Search for: ST. THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture, chaired by Senator Javan E. James, convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building. Lawmakers from the Office of Cannabis Regulations (OCR) and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDA) shared an update on the status of operations. To date, OCR is operating with a limited budget in preparation for the program's deployment. On September 7, 2023, OCR received an allotment based on Act 8680 and began processing the monies, according to Hannah Carty, M.A., Executive Director, Office of Cannabis Regulations. However, Catherine Kean, M.D., Chair, of the Cannabis Advisory Board, noted that the $1,000,000 allocated to OCR is not enough to sustain daily operations and expand the office. Furthermore, H. Nathalie Hodge, Commissioner Nominee for the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, indicated that the DLCA currently provides OCR administrative support to include offices, budget management, and human resources. Senator Donna Frett-Gregory inquired about the amount of funds utilized. Carty noted that OCR is using funds from a previous allotment and did not utilize the $1,000,000. Moreover, the goal is to initially invest in the Request for Proposal for the Track and Trace or the seed to sale system, closely followed by a Request for Proposal for consultants to score the merit-based application process. Concurrently, OCR submitted a personnel requisition form to fill vacancies, which included enforcement personnel. Senator James urged OCR to provide documentation to the Senate that supports a realistic timeline for the rollout of the cannabis industry. To move forward, Carty mentioned that amendments are required for sections of Act 8680; specifically, the restricted area access, medical recommendations, and board member confirmation and quorum. Act 8680, in its current state, has ambiguous language that hinders the launch of retail programs for adult users or sacramental users. Senator James stated that there needs to be ongoing updates from OCR on social media, radio and television which will allow the public to follow the progress. The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture Commissioner Nominee, Louis Emanuel Petersen, Jr., testified. VIDA faces several obstacles, including the need to fill twenty essential vacancies, including maintenance engineers and heavy equipment operators, and the need to replace or repair heavy equipment in both districts. In addition, more funds are required to purchase a water truck. Although Act 8590 provided $160K to VIDA for a water truck, an additional $40K is required to cover the increased cost of $210K. There are thirty-eight expired lease agreements for farmers. The vast majority of lease applications filed to VIDA are incomplete. The remaining leases will not be extended due to a lack of compliance or production. Finally, the components of the St. Croix Abattoir, such as the rumping station, boiler, and chill room, are making solid progress. The following senators attended the meeting: Javan E. James, Sr., Alma Francis Heyliger, Diane T. Capehart, Angel Bolques, Jr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, Marvin A. Blyden, Donna Frett-Gregory, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., and Franklin Johnson.                                                              The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands.                         ### Find More Search for: Categories News Observances Press Releases Special Events Related Content COMMITTEE REVIEWS FY 2027 EXECUTIVE BUDGET REQUESTS FOR GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, AND BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES July 23, 2026 ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to receive testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budgets for... Read More COMMITTEE RECEIVES UPDATES FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT CONCERNING SEWAGE HEALTH RISKS, CANCER CARE IN THE TERRITORY                                   July 22, 2026 ST. THOMAS, VI – The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, led by Senator Ray Fonseca, met at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall.  Lawmakers received testimony concerning the potential and observed public... Read More SENATORS CONSIDER PROPOSED HORSE RACE LEGISLATION IN SPECIAL SESSION  July 22, 2026 Members of the 36th Legislature, led by Senate President Milton E. Potter, convened at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers met in special session by request of the governor to consider Bill No. 36-0313, an act approving lease and franchise agreements for the development and operation of the Randall “Doc”... Read More Quick Links Home Senators Committees Media News Contact Important Links Revised Organic Act of 1954 (PDF) 36th Oath of Office Booklet 100 Day Report Rules of the 36th Public Information or Archives Request Search for: Follow Follow Follow Follow