Government Agencies Testify In Favor Of U.S. Virgin Islands Marijuana Legalization Bill At Hearing

Several government agencies in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) testified on Friday in favor of a marijuana legalization bill the governor is asking lawmakers to approve—with officials outlining how a regulated cannabis market can help the territory, especially given current economic needs. During a hearing, the Departments of Health, Agriculture and Licensing and Consumer Affairs, among others, weighed in on the proposal, which Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (D) unveiled last month. The St. Croix Chamber of Commerce also testified in favor of the reform. The Office of Management and Budget said the proposed legislation “not only provides a more comprehensive regulatory and enforcement framework for cannabis, but it also promises to create new businesses and jobs and differentiate our tourism product offerings from other Caribbean destinations.” “In summary, this amended bill would give birth to a new industry that will generate approximately $38 million in sales in the first year or two, create for the Government of the Virgin Islands roughly $13.8 million in direct taxes and fees and probably produce 600-800 direct and indirect jobs,” it continued. “The introduction of fully legalized cannabis use will have an appreciable and positive economic impact.” Overall, there was broad support for the legislation. Multiple witnesses before the Senate Committee of the Whole emphasized that legalizing cannabis for adult use could help drive tourism and offset financial losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic and other natural disasters such as hurricanes. Notably, the commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department didn’t oppose the bill…

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Source : MJ moment
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