Delegation of USVI Leaders Travel to Colorado For Marijuana Summit Ahead of Potential Legalization in Territory

Twelve senators, Governor Albert Bryan and members of his executive branch, members of the V.I. Cannabis Board, V.I. Dept. of Tourism officials, representatives of the Office of Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett and other government officials will head to Colorado for a V.I. Cannabis Summit that starts on Monday, as local leaders set the stage for a debate on the legalization of marijuana in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The summit is being led and was organized by Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory, who spoke to the Consortium Wednesday on why the weeklong event is of immense importance. For one, it serves to impart indelible knowledge on the cannabis industry to local leaders as debate at home is expected to start soon. And it's happening in Colorado — among the first states to legalize recreational marijuana and an example of a successfully regulated multi-billion market.

Senator Janelle Sarauw holds the bill that is expected to be heard. Elements of her measure and that of Governor Bryan are expected to be meshed when hearings commence. An attempt to wrest control of the bill from Ms. Sarauw in December 2019 and move Mr. Bryan's measure narrowly failed. Ms. Frett-Gregory said it is time to move forward.

"There was a commitment that was made that we would move this legislation the first quarter in 2021, and of course we're now in the last quarter of 2021. It didn't happen," the Senate president said. Ms. Frett-Gregory said that since summer she's been working with the National Council of State Legislators (NCSL) on the possibility of educating leadership in the USVI on the benefits of a properly regulated marijuana industry.