Where Trinidad Stands Now (2023–2025)
Quick snapshot
- Trinidad & Tobago (T&T): Personal possession and home grow were decriminalised in late 2019 and remain in effect. A full commercial framework (licensing, retail, etc.) has not launched yet. A “Cannabis Control Act, 2022” exists on paper but still requires proclamation and implementation to take effect. The Legal Aid and Advisory Authorityttparliament.org
- Around the region: Jamaica continues to expand its regulated medical industry; Barbados has increased its tally of approved medicinal Cannabis licences; St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is pushing exports; The Bahamas advanced a package of medical/religious-use bills in 2024. cla.org.jmBmclaMondaqmca.vcOffice of the Prime Minister
Trinidad & Tobago: What’s legal today (and what isn’t)
Still the law today:
- Possession: Up to 30 grams of cannabis or 5 grams of resin is decriminalised. Above that, penalties escalate in tiers. The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority
- Home grow: Up to four (4) cannabis plants per adult at a private residence. Exceeding four plants attracts severe penalties. The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority
- No public smoking: Using cannabis in a public place can attract a fine; vapes count as “smoking” under the law. The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority
- No sales (trafficking): Selling or trafficking remains illegal and carries heavy penalties. The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority
What that means for you right now:
Enjoy your herb privately, within the personal limits, and don’t sell. You can cultivate a small personal grow—think four healthy ladies basking in your backyard sun or under your indoor LEDs—but keep it discreet and compliant.
The “big industry” question in T&T
You’ve probably heard about a framework to regulate cultivation, processing, and sales in T&T. Here’s where it stands:
- Cannabis Control Act, 2022: This Act sets up the bones of a legal Cannabis authority and licensing system—but it only takes effect when formally proclaimed. As of the most recent public guidance and news checks, Trinidad has not rolled out commercial licensing. ttparliament.orgnationalsecurity.gov.tt
- Why the wait matters: Without proclamation and accompanying regulations, no one can legally open dispensaries, operate commercial grows, or sell products—despite personal decriminalisation existing since 2019. Think of it as: “personal use = go (with limits), commercial market = red light, waiting on green.” The Legal Aid and Advisory Authorityttparliament.org
- Policy chatter (2024–2025): The United National Congress (UNC) has repeatedly signalled support for a regulated medical cannabis industry and has floated raising the legal age for cannabis use to 25. These are policy positions/promises, not current law—so keep an eye on official announcements before making business moves. Trinidad and Tobago Newsdayguardian.co.ttcnc3.co.tt
Bottom line for entrepreneurs in T&T (as of September 4, 2025):
- You can prepare (business plans, compliance playbooks, partnerships), but you cannot legally cultivate, process, or sell commercially until the Act is proclaimed and regulations commence. Watch official channels for any proclamation or regulator setup. ttparliament.org
Regional vibes: What your Caribbean neighbours are doing
Jamaica: The regional pathfinder
- Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) continues to issue licences across cultivation, processing, retail, and more. As of December 31, 2024, the CLA reported 166 licences issued, with additional applications moving through the pipeline. Jamaica also facilitates exports under its regulatory framework and interim measures. cla.org.jmcla.gov.jm
Takeaway: Jamaica is the most mature Caribbean market, with ongoing licensing and export activity—useful as a benchmark for T&T’s future framework.
Barbados: Steady medicinal build-out
- The Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority (BMCLA) has been increasing approvals; official updates note a growing roster of licensees and active regulatory oversight for medicinal Cannabis, including dispensing by pharmacies with proper licences and prescriptions. Bmcla+1
Takeaway: Barbados is focusing on a controlled medical pathway with pharmacy-linked dispensing—another model T&T observers watch closely.
St Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG): Cultivation + exports
- SVG established a regulated medicinal Cannabis industry that integrates traditional cultivators and has positioned itself for exports, with ongoing momentum highlighted in recent reporting and government communications. The Guardianmca.vc
Takeaway: SVG shows how a small island can tie traditional growers to a formal export-oriented model—a notable case study for farmer inclusion.
The Bahamas: Legislative package advancing
- In 2024, The Bahamas tabled a compendium of medical/religious-use Cannabis bills, including the creation of a Bahamas Cannabis Authority. Parliamentary debate and government briefings underscore a regulated medical approach. The TribuneOffice of the Prime Minister
Takeaway: Another neighbour moving toward a formal medical market with an independent regulator—useful context for regional harmonisation and future trade.
Why T&T’s next move matters (for women, wellness, and entrepreneurs)
For wellness consumers:
- Decriminalisation in T&T already allows adults to incorporate Cannabis into self-care—mindful evening wind-downs, social seshes, or wellness routines—at home and within limits. Public consumption remains a no-go. When/if a regulated market launches, expect tested products, clear dosing, and pharmacy-style guidance if T&T follows a medical-first model. The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority
For founders and small farmers:
- A well-designed framework could unlock micro-licences, farmer cooperatives, and women-led brands focused on quality, safety, and traceability. Regional examples (Jamaica/Barbados/SVG) show that inclusion, training, and patient-centric products are achievable when regulators work with communities. cla.org.jmBmclamca.vc
For culture and tourism:
- If T&T moves to medical access with wellness-tourism experiences—think spa-level formulations, education-forward tastings, and compliant retreats—the country could offer curated, safe, “island-grown and woman-owned” experiences aligned with our Ladies of 420 ethos. (To be crystal clear: this is potential, not current law.) ttparliament.org
Compliance corner (as of September 4, 2025)
- Keep it private: Enjoy Cannabis at home or on private property where you have permission. Public consumption can mean fines—even with vapes. The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority
- Know your numbers: Up to 30g of flower or 5g of resin and up to 4 plants per adult. Over the limits? Penalties escalate quickly. The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority
- No selling: Gifting small amounts among adults in private—within the possession limit—differs legally from “trafficking.” Do not sell. The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority
- Stay updated: The commercial market awaits a formal proclamation and regulations. Until then, no legal retail or licensed commercial grows in T&T. ttparliament.org
What to watch next in T&T
- Official proclamation & regulations: The day government publishes the proclamation and the regulator opens applications, the game changes. Expect proposed licence classes, security standards, product testing rules, advertising guidelines, and patient access pathways. ttparliament.org
- Medical-first signals: Public statements in 2024–2025 suggest an emphasis on medical use and protecting youth (e.g., talk of a 25+ age threshold). If adopted, that would shape product formats (tinctures, capsules, topicals), clinical oversight, and pharmacy roles. Reminder: these are policy proposals, not current law. Trinidad and Tobago Newsdayguardian.co.tt
- Regional alignment: With Jamaica’s mature licensing, Barbados’ pharmacy-linked dispensing, SVG’s export footing, and The Bahamas’ regulator design, expect growing conversations about standards, mutual recognition, and trade routes—especially for medical products. cla.org.jmBmclamca.vcOffice of the Prime Minister
Ladies of 420 take: How to thrive right now
- Lean into education: Build your Cannabis literacy—cannabinoids, terpenes, dosing—so when legal products arrive, you’re ready to choose what serves your body and your schedule. (Busy women need reliable, predictable effects.)
- Dial in your routine—within the law: Keep sessions private, track your sweet spot (milligrams, not guesses), and separate “self-care nights” from “big-day mornings.”
- Plan your brand foundations: If you’re a founder, sketch your compliance-ready SOPs, ingredient sourcing, testing expectations, and women-centred product lines (cycle-smart formulations, stress & sleep support, skin health)—so you can move fast when licensing opens.
- Champion inclusion: Push for micro-licences, training, and equitable access—so local women-led teams can participate from cultivation to retail.
Since 2023, the Caribbean’s Cannabis story has been about measured growth: Jamaica refining a working model, Barbados scaling a medical system, SVG pursuing exports, The Bahamas advancing a medical/religious framework. Trinidad & Tobago remains in a holding pattern for commercialisation: personal decriminalisation stands, but the industry switch hasn’t flipped yet. When the proclamation and regulations land, T&T has the talent—and the women-led vision—to build a safe, smart market that prioritises wellness, equity, and quality.
We’ll keep tracking every official move so you can stay compliant and two steps ahead.
Stay High & Stay Safe
Asha & Ayanna Wadada
