Cannabis cultivation has grown in the Caribbean following Jamaica’s decriminalization of recreational cannabis in 2015 and the subsequent legalization of medical cannabis. Calls for Further Legalization and ResearchDespite progress, experts like Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, an advocate for the cannabis industry in the Caribbean, argue that decriminalization alone is not enough. This shift could ease regulatory hurdles and make it easier for Caribbean nations to export cannabis to the US for recreational use, although federal law still prohibits such imports. Antigua’s Medicinal Cannabis Authority is working on developing an export industry, with a focus on novelty value, as few countries can claim to offer Antiguan-grown cannabis. Domestic Challenges: Over-Regulation and Illicit MarketDespite the legal framework in place, both Jamaica and Antigua face significant challenges in the domestic cannabis market.