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.
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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
Who can be a caregiver?
A patient may designate a person as a caregiver and that person has the responsibility for the immediate care and safety of the patient; to assist the patient with obtaining or using medicinal cannabis or to act in the best interest of the patient. A receiver appointed for a person by the Court, under the Mental Health Act Cap. 45, or where relevant a guardian in accordance with the provisions of the Mental Health Act, shall be deemed to be the caregiver of a person to who the Act applies.
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.
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 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.
Why is smoking cannabis for medical purposes not permitted?
There are two major concerns regarding smoking medicinal cannabis.
Firstly, smoking is a particularly harmful way of taking medicinal cannabis, mainly because it poses comparable risks for bronchitis and lung cancer, as is the smoking of cigarettes. Smoking medicinal cannabis is not permitted by local or international Health authorities.
Secondly, approved medicines used in Barbados are produced under strict conditions to ensure efficacy and safety. It is important that medical doctors know that medicines have been tested and are standardized by dose and therapeutic response. This means doctors can monitor the effects of the drug and doses can be adjusted according to a patient’s needs.
It is understood that smoked cannabis will not be prescribed in Barbados because smoked plant products will not satisfy governmental requirements.
What is Medicinal Cannabis used for?
Some people use medicinal cannabis for their health problems. Deciding if medicinal cannabis is appropriate to treat your symptoms is best done in discussion with your doctor.Research so far has suggested that cannabinoid therapy is promising for the treatment of a number of different conditions.
What is recreational cannabis?
Recreational cannabis primarily uses THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a psychoactive agent that is responsible for the ‘high’ that comes from the consumption of cannabis via inhalation by smoking/vaping recreationally or oral administration.