A List of Weed Friendly Islands in the Caribbean

In the past decade, a major shift has happened across the Caribbean, and many nations have moved toward decriminalising the personal use of cannabis and reforming the plant's laws when it comes to medical cannabis.

For the Rastafarian community, this change has been significant. After decades of advocating for the right to use cannabis as a sacred herb, many are finally seeing their traditions acknowledged and respected under the law.  

For many others, cannabis reform has opened the door to people discovering the plant's medicinal benefits, small farmers finding new ways to thrive, and local economies benefiting from a more open and regulated industry.  

From Jamaica's legendary ganja culture to the growing acceptance in islands like Antigua and Saint Lucia, what was once a point of contention is now becoming a bridge between heritage, wellness, and tourism.  

From legal havens to islands that offer the whole weed tourism experience, the list below features some of the most cannabis friendly islands in the Caribbean, so you can enjoy some bud without any worries and appreciate the beauty around you.

Antigua and Barbuda  

Antigua and Barbuda is slowly becoming a favourite for travellers seeking sun, sea, and a relaxed approach to cannabis. Not only is the possession of up to 15 grams of cannabis and cultivating four plants in the home for recreational use not seen as an offence, but there are also fully licensed medical cannabis dispensaries which are open to tourists with a valid medical card.

Whether you're lounging on one of the island's beaches or exploring its lush countryside, Antigua and Barbuda offer a laid-back environment that's perfect for anyone looking for an easygoing weedcation in the Caribbean.  

Key Points  

• Possession of 15 grams of cannabis or less for personal use is not an offence.  
• Private use is not an offence, but public use is prohibited and can lead to hefty fines.  
• Licensed medical cannabis dispensaries operate and are open to tourists who have a valid medical card. Tourists can get a medical card by completing a Medical Cannabis Patient Evaluation in-store. Once you have your medical card, you can legally purchase up to 2 ounces of flower and 15 grams of concentrates per day. There is a fee for getting the medical card.

Dominica  

Dominica is known as the 'Nature Island' of the Caribbean, and its approach to cannabis is beginning to reflect the same balance found in its calming rainforests and laid-back lifestyle. So laid back that it's not an offence to possess up to 28 grams of cannabis and cultivate up to 3 plants in the home for personal use.

While medical cannabis is not yet legal on the island, there have been recent talks about legalising medical cannabis, which could soon open the door for regulated products. But for now, visitors can enjoy the island's natural beauty while keeping in mind that cannabis use should remain private and within local legal limits.  

Key Points  

• Possession of 28 grams of cannabis or less is not an offence.  
• Medical cannabis is not legal, but legalisation discussions look promising.

Jamaica  

Jamaica is often the first place that comes to mind when you think of weed friendly islands, and it's for good reason. The plant has been part of Jamaican culture for generations, it flows through the music, some traditions, and through the island's easygoing spirit. So easygoing that if you are found in possession of 2 ounces or less of cannabis and do not have a medical card, it may result in you getting a fine of J$500, which is around $3.15.  

Jamaica's cannabis scene is thriving from licensed medical dispensaries, which are open to tourists, to an abundance of cannabis themed experiences you can get involved in, like weed farm tours along with some cannabis education, to ganja hiking with Rastas and trying out authentic Jamaican cannabis infused cuisines.  

Key Points  

• Possession of 2 ounces or less of cannabis will result in a fine of J$500 (around $3.15) if you do not have a valid medical card.  
• Private use and use in specialised lounges and dispensaries are allowed. Public use is prohibited and can lead to hefty fines.  
• Medical cannabis dispensaries, which are known as 'Herb Houses' in Jamaica, are open to tourists with a valid medical card. Tourists can use a valid medical card from their home country or get a prescription from an on-site doctor. Once you have your medical card, you can legally possess up to 2 ounces without a worry in the world. There is a fee for getting the on-site medical card.

Puerto Rico  

Although cannabis is illegal for recreational use in Puerto Rico, the island has become a go-to destination for medical cannabis tourism, allowing U.S citizens to use their own prescription or to obtain a temporary medical cannabis card. The temporary medical cannabis card is valid for 30 days and can be used across the 100s of dispensaries on the island.

Beyond the storefronts, Puerto Rico offers a vibrant mix of culture, natural beauty, adventure, and wellness, creating the perfect atmosphere for medical cannabis tourists looking to relax, reconnect with nature and recharge.

Key Points  

• Recreational cannabis is illegal.  
• Medical cannabis is only available for tourists who are U.S. citizens and over the age of 21. It can be obtained by either providing your valid medical card with your government-issued ID (driving licence or passport) or getting a temporary 30-day medical cannabis card specifically for tourists. There is a fee for getting the temporary medical cannabis card, and it can be obtained online or in person.

Saint Kitts and Nevis  

Saint Kitts and Nevis's relaxed approach to cannabis fits well with the island's laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. While recreational cannabis is illegal in Saint Kitts and Nevis, possessing under 2 ounces of flower is decriminalised, and instead of arrest or imprisonment, individuals may get a fine of up to $500. While the weed laws in Saint Kitts and Nevis may not be as relaxed as some of the islands previously mentioned, as long as you keep consumption private and respectful, you can still have a Caribbean weedcation to remember.  

Key Points  

• Recreational cannabis is illegal.  
• The possession of 2 ounces of cannabis or less is decriminalised and will result in a fine of $500.  
• Private use is allowed. Public use is prohibited and can result in very hefty fines of up to $1000.

Saint Lucia  

Saint Lucia is a tropical paradise where relaxation and rejuvenation come naturally, and the island's evolving cannabis laws complement that same spirit. While weed is illegal across the board on the island, the possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis for personal use will not result in being arrested or sent to prison. These comfy weed laws are the reason why Saint Lucia is getting the reputation as the low-key getaway for cannabis enthusiasts looking to unwind and enjoy the island's natural beauty.  

Key Points  

• Possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis is allowed.  
• Private use is allowed. Public use is prohibited and can result in very hefty fines of up to $1500.

U.S. Virgin Islands  

The U.S. Virgin Islands is a tropical getaway with some of the most relaxed weed laws in the Caribbean.

Both recreational and medical cannabis are legal in the U.S. Virgin Islands, allowing recreational users to possess up to 2 ounces of flower, 14 grams of concentrate and 1 ounce of edible cannabis. Medical users are allowed to possess up to 4 ounces of cannabis, 1 ounce of concentrate, and 2 ounces of edible cannabis.  

As of now, there aren't any dispensaries selling recreational or medical cannabis in the U.S Virgin Islands; however, the government have approved plans to set up a regulated cannabis industry and is working hard on getting it done.  

Key Points  

• Recreational and medical use is legal.  
• No dispensaries at the moment, but it's in motion.  
• Private use is allowed, and public use remains prohibited.  

Conclusion  

The Caribbean is a perfect setting for any cannabis enthusiasts, as well as the cannacurious. All the islands give something special, whether it's the peaceful beaches of Antigua or the lush rainforests of Dominica, visitors can now explore destinations where cannabis laws are evolving toward openness, balance and wellness.