PR— The Government of Grenada has announced a transformative milestone toward Cannabis Reform, confirming that Legislation to decriminalise cannabis will be tabled in in the House of Representatives on Tuesday 20 January 2026.
Minister for Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, Economic Development and Planning Honourable Lennox Andrews, cited this move as one “that prioritizes the health of individuals and safety of our youth, while finally unlocking therapeutic and economic power for all Grenadians.”
The Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Amendment Bill, 2026 marks a shift from punitive prohibition towards a balanced, evidence-based framework grounded in social justice, public health, and economic opportunity.
The Government’s approach is anchored in three core pillars of reform:
Restorative Justice and Social Equity
The draft Bill provides for amnesty and automatic expungement of criminal records for specified minor cannabis offences. Pending criminal proceedings for the specified minor amounts of cannabis, will be discontinued. Chairman of the Cannabis Working Committee, Attorney Anselm Clouden described this as addressing long-standing injustices affecting young people. Expungement will remove barriers to employment, education, and mobility, particularly for young Grenadian men.
The Bill also affirms the constitutional rights of the Rastafari community to use cannabis as a sacrament within registered places of worship and for special events, with allowances for cultivation. Michael Baptiste, Member of the Cannabis Working Committee, represented Rastafari interests at the press conference.
Personal Rights and Public Safety
Adults aged 21 and over will be permitted to possess up to 56 grams of cannabis and 15 grams of cannabis resin, plus register to cultivate up to four plants per household for private use. Public consumption remains prohibited and subject to fixed penalties.
Strong safeguards remain in place to protect children and young people, including strict penalties for anyone who supplies cannabis to minors and a rehabilitative, non-criminal approach for youth found in possession. Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, Vannie Curwen—who serves on the Cannabis Working Committee—confirmed that, where appropriate, such cases will be referred to the Child Protection Authority.
Foundation for a Regulated Cannabis Industry
While the Bill focuses on decriminalisation, it establishes the foundation for Phase Two: a regulated medicinal and therapeutic cannabis industry, consistent with the National Democratic Congress’ 2022 Manifesto. CEO of the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Secretariat, Nandy Noel, noted that following passage of the Bill, Government will move within three to six months to develop a comprehensive national cannabis policy framework and supporting legislation covering cultivation, processing, research, and medicinal use.
Attorney General Senator Claudette Joseph underscored the Bill’s timeliness stating that “Grenada is one of the last jurisdictions to now move in the direction of the decriminalisation of cannabis and ultimately the establishment of a medical cannabis industry.” She emphasized that decriminalisation does not mean unrestricted use. Cannabis will remain a controlled substance, with clear limits, defined offences, and enforcement mechanisms. Public education will accompany implementation to address stigma, promote responsible behavior, and highlight both the benefits and risks associated with cannabis use.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Cannabis Secretariat Ms. Nandy Noel reiterated that, the draft “Bill is not full legalization.” Neither is it “a license for public smoking.” Public consumption shall be an offence subject to a $300 fine, similar to traffic violations, as confirmed by ACP Vannie Curwen. There are strict no-go zones around schools and other prohibited public places listed in the Bill and cannabis remains prohibited for minors.
The Government of Grenada reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its mandate of decriminalising cannabis, and working with stakeholders, communities, and the media to ensure that this reform is globally compliant, locally transformative, and firmly centered on the well-being of all Grenadians.
