During its scheduled Zoom meeting Wednesday, the Cannabis Advisory Board discussed dual registrations. Executive Director Joanne Moorehead introduced the topic for consideration. While a quorum was initially established, connectivity issues later in the meeting prevented the board from proceeding with a vote.
In March, the board did not have a quorum, so no decisions were made. However, the minutes from the February meeting were approved.
“I am bringing this to the board because I believe it is a decision they need to make. I have been asked several times whether an individual can have both a medical and a sacramental registration. Currently, there is nothing in the law or regulations that expressly prohibits or allows this,” Moorehead said.
“At the moment, our software does not allow one individual to have two active registrations. If this is something we decide to permit, I have already spoken to the software developer about the necessary changes. However, I need the board to determine whether we will allow it,” she said.
Board Chair Dr. Catherine Kean requested a refresher on the number of plants allowed for sacramental and medical users, particularly for the benefit of new board members.
Moorehead clarified that anyone over the age of 21 — whether a medical or sacramental user — is allowed six flowering plants and six immature plants. If dual registration were permitted, an individual could potentially cultivate up to 24 plants.
Kean raised concerns about exceeding legal cultivation limits. “If we allowed both registrations simultaneously, individuals would have twice the amount the law aims to limit.”
She suggested a cautious approach. “I think we should start off slowly. As a board, we have the ability to make amendments over time. We can revisit these six months to a year down the line if we receive requests for changes.”
Other board members agreed. After extensive discussion on whether to vote on the matter, Kean made a motion:
“I make a motion that a maximum of twelve plants be allowed, whether for a combined medicinal/sacramental card or an individual medicinal or sacramental card. That’s six flowering and six immature plants.”
However, due to connectivity issues with board member Justa Encarnacion, the board decided to table the decision.
Moorehead also provided updates from the Virgin Islands Office of Cannabis Regulations. She reported that no sacramental users had been registered. Additionally, three practitioners were registered on St. Thomas, and four practitioners were registered on St. Croix. As for patients, one was registered on St. John, five on St. Thomas, and 12 on St. Croix.
The board also reminded the public that the cultivation license application opened on March 31. Additionally, public informational sessions will be held on:
- April 8 from noon to 2 p.m.
- April 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
These sessions will include a full walk-through of the application process.
Furthermore, an upcoming Cannabis Summit will be held on April 12 at 2 p.m. at the King Christian Hotel. The summit will feature a Q&A session and provide more detailed information on cannabis regulations.
Chair Dr. Catherine Kean, Nathalie Hodge, Justa Encarnacion, Louis Petersen, Gary Jett, and Chris Jones attended the Cannabis Advisory Board meeting.
