A member of the public has written an open letter to Regis Burton, Chief Executive Officer of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority, praising his recent public engagement efforts while proposing that licensed cannabis outlets employ registered doctors on-site. According to Antigua News Room, the letter reflects a growing shift in public perception toward medicinal cannabis in Antigua and Barbuda.
The letter writer expressed admiration for Burton's appearance on Observer FM radio, noting his command of the subject matter. The writer also cited a Vincentian medical doctor who appeared as a panelist on a television programme hosted by Attorney Elease St. Romain, where the doctor offered his endorsement of cannabis as a legitimate medicine.
"It is evident that the phobia and the stigma of utilizing cannabis is slowly becoming something of the past," the letter states, crediting the Medicinal Cannabis Authority's public education efforts for the changing attitudes.
However, the writer raised a substantive concern that went unaddressed during the Observer FM broadcast, as the programme did not open the floor to public questions at the time. The question centres on the professional credibility of licensed cannabis dispensaries.
The letter proposes that each licensed cannabis outlet employ a registered doctor to serve as head of the dispensary team — a role modelled on the walk-in health clinic concept, where patients receive direct medical guidance. The writer argues that doctors are better equipped than nurses to assess clients' needs, given the broader scope of their medical training.
The proposal also highlights a practical workforce consideration. As reported by Antigua News Room, the letter points out that Antigua currently has a number of newly qualified doctors unable to secure hospital positions due to an oversupply of medical professionals. The writer suggests these graduates could be meaningfully absorbed into the cannabis dispensary sector in a clinical advisory capacity.
The letter positions the presence of on-site doctors as a measure that would enhance public trust and the overall reputation of licensed cannabis outlets across the country.
