The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) in Germany has granted permission for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to export its first shipment of medicinal cannabis to that country.

And on Wednesday January 5, the government of SVG approved the first export certificate for medicinal cannabis which came after the import certificate was issued by BfArM for the product to legally enter Germany.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is the first member state of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to be granted permission for the export of medicinal cannabis. The first trial shipment is expected to amount to approximately 110 pounds, to be followed by other orders later this year.

The export permission was granted to Caribbean Cannabis Company, trading as Medicinal. This company already has several products marketed locally and has worked with traditional cultivators in building out their supply chain.

Commenting on the long awaited initiative in a ministry of agriculture press release, Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar said the government has worked over the last three years with international agencies, friendly governments and local public and private sector stakeholders to make this a reality.

“St. Vincent and the Grenadines is ready for global business in the Medicinal Wellness Industry space. We invite the world to participate,” Caesar said in the release.

Minister Caesar also noted that, “SVG has opened a significant global opportunity for collaboration among member states of the OECS wishing to participate in the international medical cannabis industry.

“I therefore invite all member states of the OECS with the established medicinal cannabis policy frameworks to join forces for the sustainable development of what can become a world competitive sub-regional medicinal wellness ecosystem.”

The minister also expressed congratulations to the “highly trained” team at the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA), headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Jerrol Thompson.

Also commenting on the historic move, Chief Operating Officer at the MCA, Terrel Mapp said the industry has witnessed significant capital investment from both the public and private sectors, the latter of which includes sources that span the globe.
It was also noted that additionally, the recent opening of the Caribbean Gold Standard Laboratory, has given SVG a competitive edge in capturing international markets for medicinal cannabis.

The testing laboratory established through a joint venture agreement between the MCA and an internationally renowned laboratory testing service provider.

The government is also working to establish a diversified medicinal wellness platform which will include traditional medicines, and the emerging psychedelics doctor assisted treatment initiative. It is also noted in the release that the government continues to promote the evolution of the industry within the strict medicinal and scientific research framework prescribed by International Law.