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.
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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 MoreDevelop 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 MoreIssues 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 MoreRegulates the handling of medicinal cannabis, with the approval of the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Board, establishes and maintains an electronic database.
Learn MoreA person who is under the age of 18 years, or who is addicted to cannabis, shall not be designated as a caregiver.
The Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority grants licenses to facilitate the cultivation, processing, transport and dispensing of medicinal cannabis to patients. The Medicinal Cannabis Industry Act, 2019 outlines that medicinal cannabis products can be prescribed by a medical practitioner. A Pharmacy with a retail distributor's license can dispense medicinal cannabis when presented by a patient with a prescription and a valid form of identification.
Currently, there are five legally-approved medicinal cannabis drugs, placed on the National Drug Formulary for specific indications, via approval from the Minister of Health and Wellness utilising Section 12 of the Drug Abuse (Control and Prevention) Act Cap 131.
Please speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more information on accessing medicinal cannabis.
Everyone's response to cannabis differs and can vary from one time to the next.
Like any other drug, cannabis can:
[1] [2] [3] World Health Organization (WHO). The health and social effects of nonmedical cannabis use.
33. Is the BMCLA responsible for Sacramental Cannabis?
Please note that the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority regulates and process applications strictly with medicinal cannabis only. Any questions or concerns about sacramental cannabis, please contact the Attorney General's office at Jones Building, Webster's Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados, W.I. or email at ps@oag.gov.bb
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.
16. Can a minor be prescribed medicinal cannabis?
According to the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Industry Act, 2019 the parent or guardian of a patient who is a minor shall obtain a certificate in writing from a medical practitioner certifying that the use of medicinal cannabis is necessary in the case of that minor, and the parent or guardian shall consent in writing to the use of medicinal cannabis for the treatment of the minor.
The Act also states that a parent or legal guardian of a patient who is a minor shall be deemed to be the caregiver for that minor unless that parent or legal guardian designates another person, or a person is designated by an order of the Court.
Any person who is under the age of 18 years shall not be designated as a caregiver.
17. How will sale of medicinal cannabis to minors be addressed, particularly in light of those studies that suggest adolescents and pre-adolescents are more susceptible to negative psychological and medical consequences from using cannabis?
There will be no sale of medicinal cannabis to minors. Possession of cannabis on or near school premises, the inclusion of a child or young person in the drug trade and the purchase of cannabis from a child or young person is illegal and on indictment could result in imprisonment for life (Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Act Chapter 131).
A parent or guardian of a patient who is a minor or young person can access medicinal cannabis via mechanisms described above. However, a person who is under the age of 18 years shall not be designated as a caregiver of a minor or young person.
Important Note:Cannabis affects the same biological system in the brain that is responsible for brain development. The earlier you start consuming cannabis, the more harm it can do. Starting as a teen, consuming frequently (daily or near daily) and over a long time (several months or years) increases the risk of mental health problems. These problems include dependence and disorders related to psychosis, anxiety and depression. [1] For more information, visit your doctor.
[1] Chadwick B, Miller ML, Hurd YL. Cannabis use during adolescent development: Susceptibility to psychiatric illness. Front Psychiatry 2013 Oct 14;4:129.