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The Regulated Substances Authority (RSA) has unveiled the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Bill 2025 for public comment. The Bill aims to meticulously regulate the distribution and processing of cannabis and industrial hemp within the country.
The newly inaugurated RSA is actively prioritising public awareness regarding the legislation and the implementation of a regulated cannabis and industrial hemp sector.
Formulated under the Regulated Substances Act No. 26 of 2023, the RSA is tasked with establishing and managing the comprehensive framework for regulated substances in Saint Lucia.
“The public predominantly view the RSA as simply the Cannabis Authority. While we acknowledge that our origin was rooted in developing a legalized cannabis access regime, our vision extends far beyond that,” Dylan Norbert-Inglis, CEO of RSA, asserted.
“We are committed to a vision for Saint Lucia where the nation can benefit from a structured and safe framework around a variety of regulated substances,” Norbert-Inglis emphasised.
To achieve this goal, the RSA has partnered with the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards (SLBS) to implement a robust regime for radiation safety and security.
Norbert-Inglis declared, “The RSA will analyze the current regulations concerning alcohol, petroleum, toxic chemicals, pesticides, and explosives to modernize these regimes, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.”
He confirmed that the RSA’s mandate is not to “over-regulate” or disrupt established systems without cause, but to guarantee safe, sustainable practices for all substances under its purview, ultimately benefiting the population, environment, economy, and future of Saint Lucia.
The Ministry of Commerce serves as the parent ministry of the RSA. Commerce Minister Emma Hippolyte stated that the RSA will set forth robust frameworks for the development of the cannabis industry in Saint Lucia.
“We understand the necessity for a mechanism that transcends mere boards and committees, establishing effective oversight for the management of regulated substances,” Minister Hippolyte explained, adding that the administration established a Statutory Body responsible for daily oversight of these respective regimes.
As a result, the Ministry moved to enact the Regulated Substances Act, creating a comprehensive mechanism for an umbrella regulator.
The Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Bill will mandate the formation of a Cannabis Advisory Council to oversee the implementation and management of cannabis-related activities, alongside a licensing framework covering cultivation, processing, and distribution.
Additionally, the RSA will issue guidelines regarding the prescription and sale of medicinal cannabis, along with provisions on prohibitions and offenses.
The Draft Bill is accessible for public review on the ministry’s website: commerce.gov.lc. The deadline for submitting comments is February 7, 2025.
In its broad mandate, the RSA will also regulate the safety and security of radiation and radioactive sources within the island, alongside assuming responsibility for other critical substances, including petroleum, alcohol, explosives, pesticides, and toxic chemicals.
By Reginald Andrew
“}]] The Regulated Substances Authority (RSA) has unveiled the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Bill 2025 for public comment. The Bill aims to meticulously… Read More
