Cannabis Cultivation Considerations in the Caribbean
Five Factors That Will Drive Caribbean Cannabis Success
With the U.S. Virgin Islands’ adult-use cannabis cultivation license application deadline extended to June 13, 2025, and The Bahamas expected to open its medicinal, religious, and scientific cannabis license processes by the end of June, interest in cannabis cultivation throughout the Caribbean is surging.
Following a weekend at the CannaPro Summit on St. Croix, it’s clear that cannabis is on everyone’s mind—from policy makers to entrepreneurs, investors, and cultivators. As new markets roll out across the region, understanding the specific environmental, regulatory, and operational considerations for cannabis cultivation in the Caribbean is essential to success.
Below are key factors we help clients navigate when preparing cannabis cultivation businesses in tropical island environments like the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Bahamas.
1) Growing Climate & Environmental Realities
The Caribbean offers an abundance of natural light, warmth, and long growing seasons—ideal conditions for cannabis. However, the very same tropical climate that supports lush plant growth can present challenges. High humidity, frequent rainfall, and intense storm seasons demand proactive planning.
Preventing mold, mildew, and pest infestations requires robust integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and humidity control systems, even in outdoor or greenhouse environments. Cannabis cultivators should also account for hurricane resilience by reinforcing infrastructure, securing crop insurance where available, and developing strong emergency response plans.
2) Soil and Water Conditions
Soil and water quality are critical to cannabis cultivation success and vary widely across the Caribbean. Many areas have rocky or nutrient-poor soils, making raised beds or hydroponic systems a smart alternative. Water access can also be inconsistent, with varying levels of salinity and contamination risk—especially near coastal or industrial sites. Sustainable irrigation practices, including drip systems and rainwater collection, can help conserve resources and maintain consistency across grow cycles.
For example, the refinery on St. Croix has a long history of environmental issues, including oil spills and emissions that have contaminated soil and drinking water. These incidents have led to EPA action and serious health concerns for nearby communities.
These environmental impacts have strained an already limited natural resource base and underscore the need for comprehensive site due diligence. Cultivators should invest in regular water and soil testing, filtration systems, and sustainable irrigation methods such as rainwater collection and drip systems. In some cases, bringing in clean water or cultivating in a fully contained system may be the safest route to ensure product quality and public health protection.
3) Access To Energy (Electricity) and Facility Design
Electric grid power in many island territories can be costly or inconsistent. Following Hurricane Maria, the U.S. Virgin Islands faced significant power outages. While the restoration efforts were faster than Puerto Rico’s record-setting blackout, it still took several months to regain power.
To minimize reliance on energy-intensive systems, cannabis cultivators should consider passive airflow greenhouses or hybrid indoor-outdoor growing systems. Incorporating solar power, battery backup, and efficient environmental controls can reduce operational risk and long-term business costs.
In storm-prone areas like the U.S. Virgin Islands, cannabis facility construction must also account for wind ratings, proper drainage, and material durability. Building with corrosion-resistant components and hurricane-rated building designs is essential for long-term sustainability.
4) Zoning, Real Estate, and Local Community Integration
For applicants in the Virgin Islands, identifying a zoning-compliant and securely licensed premises is a core requirement of the cultivation license application. During the early stages of real estate and facility search, access to utilities, topography, proximity to sensitive areas (such as school zones or churches), and transportation routes should all be evaluated.
More broadly, successfully launching a cannabis business in the Caribbean involves more than just real estate, facilities and licensing. Community engagement and cultural understanding are essential. Cannabis has long-standing cultural and religious significance in many parts of the Caribbean. Engaging respectfully and meaningfully with local communities not only helps meet social equity goals, it’s key to long-term success.
5) Business Experience and Alignment With Cannabis Regulation Compliance
The U.S. Virgin Islands uses a merit-based system for cultivation licenses, with points awarded for experience in business, cultivation, safety, training, emergency plans, among others. Social equity applicants with majority ownership receive additional scoring advantages. Applicants are encouraged to submit comprehensive, well-documented applications that showcase their qualifications and commitment to compliance.
In contrast, The Bahamas’ upcoming cannabis licensing framework focuses on medicinal, religious, and scientific use. For a now, there will not be a limited on licenses offered, but qualifying standards will still be enforced. Regulations may include alignment with international standards such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), particularly if export becomes viable in the future.
Start Building Your Cultivation Strategy For Caribbean Cannabis
Business Opportunity Comes With Complexity
Launching a cannabis cultivation operation in the Caribbean demands more than just great genetics and good intentions—it requires strategy, foresight, and resilience. From navigating natural challenges to aligning with evolving regulations, applicants must be well-prepared. Unlike state-based cannabis programs where bordering markets can offer lessons (or pressure) on others, the Caribbean cannabis industry will continue to change on its own and reward those who bring considerable experience to the table.
Canna Advisors Offer Proven Experience
At Canna Advisors, we’re here to guide clients through every step of the process—whether you’re applying for a cultivation license in the Virgin Islands, preparing for the opportunity in The Bahamas, or expanding your footprint in the Caribbean region, our team brings deep experience in highly regulated markets and a proven track record in helping businesses succeed through competitive licensing processes. If you’re ready to make your mark in the Caribbean cannabis market, now’s the time to start. Working with our team of seasoned cannabis consultants, we can build something exceptional—together.
Want to talk strategy or have questions about cultivation licensing on the U.S. Virgin Islands or The Bahamas? Contact our team at Canna Advisors today or book an hourly consultation for quick, one-on-one support.