Full-Service Cannabis Consulting Tailored to the US Virgin Island's Unique Market Needs
Unlock success in the US Virgin Island’s cannabis industry with Catalyst BC—your trusted partner for expert cannabis consulting, seamless cannabis licensing and applications, compliance with US Virgin Islands cannabis laws, cutting-edge facility design, and maximizing yield & profit optimization.
Learn about US Virgin Islands Cannabis Laws
The US Virgin Islands, often celebrated as America’s Caribbean gem, are renowned for their rich maritime legacy, vibrant local communities, and dynamic tourism-driven economy. Home to roughly 100,000 residents spread across islands like St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, this tropical territory may be modest in size, but it is brimming with cultural and historical significance. Its prime location in the Caribbean near vital shipping lanes not only enhances its global connectivity but also bolsters its economic vitality. Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, along with key communities on St. John and St. Croix, serve as essential centers for commerce, governance, and cultural exchange.
The islands boast a diverse landscape—from pristine beaches and lush tropical forests to charming colonial towns and lively urban centers steeped in history. The economy of the US Virgin Islands thrives on sectors such as tourism, maritime industries, and international trade, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to its colonial past while embracing modern innovation. With a history marked by influences from indigenous peoples and several European powers, the US Virgin Islands continue to honor their rich heritage as they navigate the opportunities of the future.
Legal Status of Cannabis in US Virgin Islands
Cannabis is legal in the US Virgin Islands for both medical and recreational use. Under the Virgin Islands Medical Cannabis Program, patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card through the Virgin Islands Department of Health. This allows them to purchase cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries while adhering to established possession limits and strict quality standards.
Recreational cannabis is also legal for adults aged 21 and older. Under current regulations, eligible adults can purchase and possess cannabis products through the state-regulated market. Possession limits are clearly defined by local guidelines, and personal cultivation remains restricted to ensure that all products meet rigorous safety and quality criteria.
US Virgin Islands Cannabis Consultants are available to support hemp and cannabis cultivators, farmers, businesses, and suppliers with comprehensive seed-to-sale support. Services include US Virgin Islands cannabis licensing and application assistance, business strategy, financial planning, start-up support, guidance on US Virgin Islands cannabis laws, and more.
Book your complimentary consultation with US Virgin Islands Cannabis Consultants today and confidently explore the opportunities in the emerging USVI cannabis market.
Legal Status of Hemp Farming in US Virgin Islands
Hemp farming in the US Virgin Islands is legal under a regulatory framework aligned with federal guidelines established by the 2018 Farm Bill. The US Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (or the designated local regulatory agency) administers the hemp program, issuing licenses for the cultivation, processing, and handling of industrial hemp. Farmers must adhere to strict THC testing protocols to ensure that their crops remain below the federally mandated threshold of 0.3% THC, with any non-compliant crops subject to regulatory action.
The hemp industry in the US Virgin Islands focuses on the production of fiber, grain, and CBD products while actively promoting research and innovation to drive sustainable industry growth. To enter the US Virgin Islands hemp market, it’s advisable to speak with a consultant who can offer specialized hemp consulting services, providing growers with comprehensive resources and expert guidance on licensing and operational requirements. By supporting the development of a regulated and profitable hemp market, the territory is positioning hemp as a promising crop for significant economic growth.
Navigating the Complexities of Operating a Cannabis or Hemp Business in the US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Island’s regulated cannabis and hemp markets require a careful strategy to remain compliant with evolving cannabis laws.
Align with our US Virgin Islands cannabis consulting team on Business Strategy, Financial Planning, US Virgin Islands Cannabis Licensing & Applications, Facility Design, Startup Support, Operational Optimization, Genetic Development, and Cannabis Business Turnaround.
Book your complimentary consultation today.
US Virgin Islands Cannabis Application Guide
US Virgin Islands Cannabis Industry Laws and Regulations
The Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act (Act 8680) and its amendments (Act 8925) regulate the adult-use and medical cannabis markets. The Office of Cannabis Regulations (OCR) manages licensing, compliance, and oversight.
Information You Should Understand:
- Licenses are issued through a merit-based scoring system
- Social Equity provisions prioritize local and historically impacted applicants
- Adult users (21+) may possess up to:
- 2 oz of cannabis
- 14 grams of concentrate
- 1 oz of cannabis-infused products
Every US Virgin Islands cannabis license applicant should also study the USVI cannabis rules & regulations. Leveraging the expertise of US Virgin Islands cannabis consultants is advisable to avoid misinterpretations of US Virgin Islands cannabis laws that can result in civil or criminal penalities.
Types of US Virgin Islands Cannabis Licenses
The US Virgin Islands Office of Cannabis Regulations (OCR) will issue the following cannabis business licenses:
| License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Cultivation License | Grow cannabis for sale to manufacturers and dispensaries |
| Manufacturing License | Process cannabis into concentrates, edibles, and infused products |
| Dispensary License | Sell cannabis and cannabis products to consumers |
| Research & Development | Conduct cannabis-related scientific research |
| Testing Facility License | Provide laboratory testing for quality assurance |
| Micro-Cultivation Permit | Small-scale cannabis cultivation with lower barriers to entry |
| Adult-Use Lounge Permit | Operate a facility where consumers can legally consume cannabis |
Important note: The US Virgin Islands Office of Cannabis Regulations (OCR) sets caps on how many licenses it will grant for each of the territory’s main islands.
The OCR will issue a limited number of licenses for each territory as follows:
St. Thomas
-
- Up to seven Cannabis Dispensary Licenses, and
- Up to 15 Cannabis Cultivation Licenses.
St. John
-
- Up to three Cannabis Dispensary Licenses, and
- Up to five Cannabis Cultivation Licenses.
St. Croix
-
- Up to seven Cannabis Dispensary Licenses, and
- Up to 15 Cannabis Cultivation Licenses.
To prevent market over-saturation, the Virgin Islands Cannabis Regulatory Board has established production limits for cultivation licensees, requiring them to maintain between 500 and 1000 flowering plants at any one time. These production limits are subject to annual review by the Board and may be adjusted based on market conditions. Additionally, annual fees are calculated on a sliding scale, determined by the total number of flowering plants grown.
For tailored advice and to ensure you obtain the correct license type for your business model, consider working with a US Virgin Islands Cannabis Consultant. Their expert guidance can help you navigate these regulations and optimize your licensing strategy for success.
US Virgin Islands Cannabis Application Process & Merit-Based Scoring
The OCR follows a strict merit-based application process for awarding cannabis licenses. This means that only applicants with the highest scores will be granted a US Virgin Islands cannabis license. Even if only one applicant applies, they must still meet the scoring criteria.
Navigating the merit-based scoring system in the US Virgin Islands cannabis market can be complex, which is why partnering with our US Virgin Islands Cannabis Consultant is invaluable.
Our experts possess in-depth knowledge of local regulations and scoring criteria, enabling us to tailor your application to highlight your business’s strengths. Our strategic guidance not only streamlines the licensing process but also enhances your competitiveness, ensuring you meet all compliance requirements effectively. Ultimately, enlisting a US Virgin Islands cannabis consultant empowers you to confidently navigate the system and secure the optimal license for your operation.
Cannabis License Application Requirements for US Virgin Island Businesses
All US Virgin Islands cannabis license applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Business entity formation (registered under 13 V.I.C. or 26 V.I.C.)
- Criminal background checks for all owners
- Financial disclosures & evidence of adequate capital
- Proposed security plan & inventory tracking system
- Community engagement & social responsibility plan
- Odor control and environmental impact strategies
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for compliance
Failure to provide accurate and complete documentation may result in a license denial. Working with a US Virgin Islands cannabis consultant can help streamline the process for you.
Scoring Criteria for US Virgin Islands Cannabis License Applications
All US Virgin Islands cannabis license applications will be scored on five key areas including:
- Experience & Qualifications (past compliance, business expertise, etc.)
- Financial Readiness (proof of funding & liquidity)
- Community & Social Impact (hiring practices, charitable contributions)
- Security & Compliance Plans (how well risks are mitigated)
- Some license types may require lottery selection in the event of a tie between high-scoring applicants.
The application process is highly competitive. Working with an experienced US Virgin Islands cannabis consultant will increase your odds significantly in securing a USVI cannabis license.
Financial requirements for a US Virgin Islands cannabis license Applicants
Applying for a US Virgin Islands cannabis license involves a tiered fee structure based on the license type and whether it’s a new US Virgin Islands cannabis license or an annual renewal.
Here are the estimated fees :
| License Type | Application Fee | License Fee (Annual) |
| Cultivation License | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Manufacturing License | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Dispensary License | $5,000 | $50,000 |
| Testing Facility License | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Research & Development | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Micro-Cultivation Permit | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Adult-Use Lounge Permit | $5,000 | $10,000 |
It’s important to note additional fees apply for license transfers, modifications, changes in ownership, and other variables that may apply to your business type and situation. For personalized guidance on fees associated with your USVI cannabis license application, work with a cannabis consultant specializing in US Virgin Islands licensing.
Social Equity & Local Ownership Requirements US Virgin Islands Cannabis License Applicants
The U.S. Virgin Islands prioritizes social equity cannabis applicants, awarding at least 15% of total merit-based application points based on social equity participation.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands for at least 10 of the last 15 years
- Be a woman-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned business
- Have been adversely impacted by the criminal justice system
- Provide evidence of community engagement and economic impact
Aligning with our experienced US Virgin Islands cannabis consulting team along with local stakeholders on social equity goals will greatly improve your odds at winning a US Virgin Islands cannabis license.
Zoning and Facility Requirements for US Virgin Islands Cannabis License Holders
Facility location is absolutely critical in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Your business must be easily accessible to consumers and patients, which is a key factor in the approval of your cannabis license application.
Additionally, your location plans should reflect a commitment to preserving the fragile natural beauty of the islands—one of their most treasured assets.
Due to the limited land space in this territory, the OCR has set production limits for cannabis cultivation to avoid market over-saturation.
The number of licenses available is strictly controlled:
St. Thomas: up to seven Cannabis Dispensary Licenses and 15 Cannabis Cultivation Licenses
St. John – up to three Dispensary and five Cultivation Licenses
St. Croix – up to seven Dispensary and 15 Cultivation Licenses
Consequently, the OCR awards merit-based licenses only to those applicants who achieve the highest scores for the specific license type on the island of choice. Leveraging the expertise of a US Virgin Islands cannabis consultant will significantly increase your chances of winning a USVI cannabis license.
Best Practices in Completing a US Virgin Islands Cannabis License Application
The U.S. Virgin Islands cannabis market features a limited number of licenses, making competition exceptionally fierce. With our expert US Virgin Islands cannabis consulting services at Catalyst BC, you can ensure that your application is not only competitive but also meticulously prepared and optimized for success.
Get started today—schedule a free consultation with our team and take the first step toward launching your U.S. Virgin Islands cannabis business.
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Other Services
Business Strategy
Collaborative efforts to create a personalized and comprehensive business and operational plans tailored to your market, resources, and vision.
Financial Planning
Strategy and creation of a bespoke financial model based on historical inputs specific to selected corporate structure, facilities, and market conditions.
Licensing & Applications
Catalyst has secured over 57 licenses in merit-based and highly competitive application and RFP processes with a win rate of nearly 96%
Facility Design
Design-assist aligns designs and calculations with proven methods, equipment, and systems successfully used in world-class facilities.
Startup Support
Proven expertise and track record of supporting licensed and conditionally licensed businesses from build-out to operational excellence.
Genetic Development
Design and implement propagation and breeding programs that produce unique and proprietary cultivars that maximize productivity and profitability.
Business Turnaround
Our team brings over 60 years of regulated cannabis industry experience, expertly assessing situations, crafting strategies, and achieving client goals.
Operational Optimization
Catalyst's team of experts provides guidance and support for all types of cannabis business, including cultivation, retail, extraction, distribution, and delivery
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