Assist
Where required, assists with the provision of analytical services, also ensures that proper disposal requirements are prescribed for the safe disposal of cannabis which is handled under the Act.
Learn MoreWhat are the functions of the BMCLA?
Develop
Develop policies, procedures and guidelines to establish the medicinal cannabis industry and to ensure that medicinal cannabis is available to patients in a safe and efficient manner.
Learn MoreProvide
Issues licences in relation to the handling of medicinal cannabis in accordance with the provisions of the Act, 2019, also provides for the distribution of educational materials etc.
Learn MoreRegulate
Regulates the handling of medicinal cannabis, with the approval of the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Board, establishes and maintains an electronic database.
Learn MoreOur Latest News & Opportunities
From Our Community
Get the latest top news stories and updates from BMCLA and the Medicinal Cannabis Community. Find videos, articles and downloads on the latest top news stories in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the long-term effects of cannabis use?
Using cannabis frequently (daily or almost daily) and over a long time (several months or years) can[1]:
- Hurt your lungs and make it harder to breathe, if smoked
- Cannabis smoke may contain many of the same harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke
- Affect your mental health
- Frequent use of THC based products over a long time increases the risk of cannabis dependence
- Increased risk of developing psychotic disorders
- Early exposure of cannabis use during the adolescent years can impair brain development and functioning
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
[1] Weinstein, AM, Cohen, K. Synthetic and Non-synthetic Cannabinoid Drugs and Their Adverse Effects-A Review from Public Health Prospective. Frontiers in Public Health 2018; 6:1-8. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00162.
I am a patient that needs to change my caregiver – what do I do?
A patient who needs to change his or her caregiver should notify his or her medical practitioner of the change, and give that medical practitioner such information as the medical practitioner may require in respect of the new caregiver.
What are the short-term effects of cannabis use or THC based products?
Everyone's response to cannabis differs and can vary from one time to the next.
Like any other drug, cannabis can:
- Impair your ability to drive safely or operate heavy equipment
- It can cause drowsiness, slow reaction times, lower your ability to pay attention and impair coordination
- Affect your mental capacity
- Impair your concentration, memory and decision-making, and can impact your ability to perform well on the job or at school.[1]
- Cause euphoria (a high) it can also cause anxiety or panic.[2]
- In rare cases, cannabis can trigger a psychotic episode (not knowing what is real, experiencing paranoia, having disorganized thoughts and, in some cases, hallucinating).[3]
[1] [2] [3] World Health Organization (WHO). The health and social effects of nonmedical cannabis use.
How will side effects be dealt with as they are noted by the medical community?
Like any other prescribed medication, the administration of prescribed medicinal cannabis will be under supervision and monitoring by your doctor so to minimise harm, or negative interact to a patient. Factors like medical history, allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, co-morbidities, other medications that a patient may be taking will all be taken into consideration along with regular checkups.
What does a caregiver need?
A person designated as a caregiver under this Act shall obtain from a medical practitioner a certificate that states that the caregiver is not dependent on a controlled drug.
Who cannot be a caregiver?
A person who is under the age of 18 years, or who is addicted to cannabis, shall not be designated as a caregiver.
