The Cannabis Advisory Board met Wednesday but could not vote due to a lack of quorum. Instead, the meeting focused on administrative updates and discussions on key regulatory matters.
Licensing and Application Process
Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Regulation, Joanne Moorehead, said that the licensing process remains on track, with applications for micro-cultivation permits set to be released by March 31. Board Chair Dr. Catherine Kean sought clarity regarding the deadline for applications. Moorehead explained that public question-and-answer meetings would be necessary to ensure applicants fully understand the process.
“When we do open the applications, it will require some public Q&A meetings so that they are clear on when to submit and how to submit. I don’t think that it will be as easy as a one-page type of thing where people go online, fill it out, and return it,” she said, anticipating that varying levels of tech savviness among applicants may create challenges.
She further clarified that the process is merit-based rather than first come, first served. Moorehead anticipates that cultivation applications will be opened before Requests for Proposals for the lab testing facilities. By law, cultivation applications must remain open for a minimum of 60 days.
“We should be in a good place to access lab testing facilities while we are also opening applications and evaluating supply,” she noted.
Also, during her report, Moorehead said the registration process on St. Croix is steadily increasing, and she anticipates similar growth in the St. Thomas/St. John district as time progresses.
Metrc Contract Progress
Moorehead discussed the status of the seed-to-sale inventory tracking system Metrc contract, stating, “We are working with them with an eye to go live potentially by the end of the summer.” The organization recently spent two full days conducting a kickoff meeting and training with the entire staff present.
She emphasized that a key component of the Metrc system rollout includes training for licensees on the consumer end. “Part of Metrcs’ standard business practice and part of their contract is that they will be doing a rollout to our licensees on the consumer end,” she said.
Media Campaign Coordination
A media campaign is in development to ensure widespread education and awareness on cannabis. Moorehead stressed its importance, particularly in collaboration with partners such as the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Health Department and Consumer Affairs.
“It is a multifaceted campaign that we are trying to work on. I was hoping to have something in place around the St. Thomas Carnival timeline, but I am not sure if that is going to be done because of some unexpected wrinkles,” she explained, noting that meeting the Carnival deadline remains uncertain.
Enforcement and Training Efforts
On the enforcement front, Moorehead confirmed that four enforcement officers are currently in training for cannabis-specific enforcement. The agency also plans to extend training efforts beyond its core team to include local enforcement agencies like VIPD.
“Enforcement is not only going to fall on the shoulders of the OCR,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of collaboration with other agencies.
The board then went into an executive session; upon returning, there were no further matters to discuss. They are still accepting nominations for board members.
The Cannabis Advisory Board members present included Chair Catherine Kean, Nathalie Hodge, Joe Boschulte, Louis Petersen, and Chris Jones.
