The Herbal Cooperative (THC) has strongly condemned a recent police operation in Garrand, Babonneau, during which cannabis valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars was seized and destroyed, and two men, described by the group as farmers, were arrested.
But Chairman of THC Andre de Caires described the police action as nothing less than an assault.
“Two farmers were assaulted and arrested for the cultivation of a few thousand cannabis plants. It is inconceivable that these kinds of actions are taking place at this stage of the legislative process…”
De Caires called the incident a significant setback for cannabis reform in Saint Lucia, especially given the government’s own movement toward legalisation through the Cannabis and Hemp Industry Bill and related legislation — measures that have been in the works for years.
“The administration is well aware that the bills have been ready to be tabled in Cabinet since the middle of August,” he said. “The amnesty bill would have protected these farmers from this outrageous, unnecessary ordeal.”
He also voiced frustration at the timeline, noting that consultations and preparatory work have been ongoing since the previous administration.
“I was present at a meeting in early July where the minister was pressuring the CEO of the RSA [Regulatory Substance Authority], Mr Dylan [Norbert-] Inglis, to get the bills ready for the end of July.”
Drawing a comparison to St Vincent and the Grenadines — which is hosting its second annual cannabis festival, De Caires expressed disappointment in what he sees as a contradictory approach to cannabis policy in Saint Lucia.
“St Vincent and the Grenadines is hosting their second annual cannabis festival this weekend while we are still abusing farmers and destroying hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of cannabis.”
His final remarks reflected a deep sense of distrust and disillusionment with the current process.
“The members of The Herbal Cooperative are very concerned that they are being played by this administration. And I frankly lost faith in the process.”
While amendments to the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act now allow adults to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis and grow four plants per household, cultivation for commercial purposes remains illegal without express authorisation. The long-anticipated Cannabis and Hemp Industry Bill, which seeks to regulate and license the cannabis sector, has yet to be formally tabled in Parliament.
