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
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.
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 Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the bioactive compounds and naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It is one of the most medically relevant chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, but it’s different from THC because of its opposing antagonistic effect compared to THC. It is also not as psychoactive as THC and is noted more for its medicinal effects.
Is the BMCLA responsible for Sacramental Cannabis?
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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
Prohibition against supply of medicinal cannabis
Prohibition against supply of medicinal cannabis A person shall not cultivate, supply, possess, or obtain medicinal cannabis for any of the purposes specified under the Act, unless that person is the holder of the relevant licenses issued pursuant to the Act. A person who cultivates, supplies, possesses, transports or obtains medicinal cannabis for any of the purposes specified under the Act without a relevant license is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment, of a fine of 15 times the value of the medicinal cannabis cultivated, supplied, possessed, or obtained or to imprisonment for a term of 10 years, or to both.