The Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) has moved to correct public misconceptions following a recent law enforcement operation targeting unauthorized cannabis cultivation in Pares Village, issuing a formal statement to clarify the legal framework governing cannabis activity in Antigua and Barbuda.
According to Antigua News Room, the MCA confirmed that the entity at the centre of the enforcement operation does not hold, and has never been granted, a Sacramental Cannabis Authorization or a Medicinal Cannabis Licence of any kind.
The Authority also made clear that no organization in Antigua and Barbuda has been authorized to extend, share, or transfer cultivation rights to any other person or group. A Sacramental Authorization belongs solely to the religious body to which it is granted and does not cover unaffiliated individuals or unapproved locations. Anyone cultivating cannabis based on a claimed association with an authorized body is acting illegally, the MCA stated.
Under the Cannabis Act 2018, Sacramental Cannabis Authorization is a privileged, legally guided activity. It is granted exclusively to a recognised religious body, which may only cultivate quantities approved by the Authority, on designated lands, and solely for the benefit of its registered congregation. Authorized religious bodies are subject to inspections and are prohibited from selling cannabis commercially or supplying persons outside their approved congregation.
The MCA was careful to distinguish the Pares Village case from the broader Rastafari community. The Authority stated that this matter casts no shadow on the Rastafari communities lawfully holding Sacramental Authorization in Antigua and Barbuda. Those communities applied through the established process, operate within the conditions of their authorizations, and are described as valued partners in developing what the MCA calls a regional pioneer framework for lawful, well-regulated cannabis governance.
With matters arising from the enforcement operation now before the court, the MCA stated it would not comment further on the details of the investigation or proceedings. The Authority directed questions concerning enforcement to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.
The MCA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of both the Sacramental Cannabis framework and the broader Medicinal Cannabis industry, pledging continued cooperation with law enforcement and government agencies to ensure all cannabis activity operates within the law.
Members of the public seeking further information may contact the Medicinal Cannabis Authority directly or visit mca.gov.ag.
