Inclusivity in the Cannabis Industry: Dr. Jerrol Thompson Advocates for Small Farmers at SVG’s First Cannabliss Festival

The inaugural Cannabliss Festival in St. Vincent and the Grenadines highlights the challenges and opportunities for small-scale cannabis cultivators.

Over the weekend, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) played host to its first-ever Cannabliss Festival, marking a significant step forward for the region’s medicinal cannabis industry. More than 150 participants from both local and international backgrounds gathered at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex from November 1-3, 2024. The event, organized by the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA), brought together doctors, pharmacists, academics, and entrepreneurs dedicated to advancing medicinal cannabis.

The three-day festival was a blend of educational conferences, facility tours, and vibrant cultural showcases. Experts presented the latest developments in the industry, while delegates toured local cannabis growing sites to observe cultivation practices firsthand. The festivities culminated in a lively concert featuring regional reggae artists, celebrating both the cultural and medicinal significance of cannabis.

Championing the “Small Man” in Cannabis Cultivation

Dr. Jerrol Thompson, CEO of the MCA, was a prominent voice during the festival’s recap on WEFM on November 4. He praised the event as a game changer, particularly in addressing concerns that traditional “small man” cultivators were being left out of the burgeoning cannabis industry.

“Not just about smoking a spliff, this is about authentic, medical-oriented concepts that it is going to be difficult to change people’s minds, but enough minds are being changed,” Dr. Thompson emphasized. He highlighted the ongoing efforts since the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Act was passed in 2018 to shift public perception and integrate medicinal cannabis into mainstream healthcare.

Supporting Small-Scale Farmers: Challenges and Solutions

Despite the progress, Dr. Thompson acknowledged that traditional cultivators have faced challenges in meeting international standards required for their products to gain wider acceptance. “Some individuals may not be able to reach those standards in terms of export… cannabis is not something that can just be thrown in the ground … it has to be tested, there has to be quality, consistency,” he explained.

The MCA mandates that medicinal cannabis companies in SVG purchase a certain quantity from traditional farmers. However, the financial burden of scaling operations to meet these requirements often proves too steep for small-scale producers. “Sometimes you require companies that are going to take it to the next level. I think it is unfortunate that the government doesn’t have money to say ‘we will give you $20 million,’” Dr. Thompson lamented.

Financial Barriers and Regulatory Hurdles

Traditional farmers are required to pay a one-time license fee of EC$100, a manageable cost for many. In contrast, larger companies must pay thousands of dollars to operate within the industry. This disparity creates a significant barrier for small cultivators trying to enter the market.

Moreover, international laws and stringent regulations have limited export opportunities for SVG’s medicinal cannabis. Dr. Thompson noted, “Because it has been and still is an illegal drug in a number of places, it has to go through a lot of rigorous processes before it can reach the external market. So we have not yet cracked that, but we are close.”

The Path Forward: Enhancing Trade and Inclusivity

Looking ahead, Dr. Thompson is optimistic about improving trade within the region. By the end of 2024, most islands in the area are expected to enhance their cannabis trade frameworks, providing better opportunities for small farmers. “We have not yet reached a particular point where millions of dollars [are] being made from cannabis. It is still at a very early stage even though we have been doing this for several years now,” he stated.

Community and Industry Reactions

The festival received mixed reactions from the community. While many applauded the MCA’s efforts to include small farmers, others remain skeptical about the long-term viability of these initiatives without substantial financial support. Maria Lopez, a mid-sized cannabis brand owner, shared her perspective: “We understand the need for quality, but there’s a fine line between regulation and overreach.”

Moving Towards a Sustainable Cannabis Future

Dr. Thompson and the MCA are committed to finding a balance that supports both large-scale operations and traditional farmers. By fostering partnerships and seeking government funding, they aim to create a more inclusive and sustainable medicinal cannabis industry in SVG.

The first Cannabliss Festival has set the stage for ongoing dialogue and collaboration, essential for overcoming the hurdles that small cultivators face. As the industry grows, the focus remains on ensuring that all stakeholders, regardless of size, can benefit from the expanding medicinal cannabis market.