Is Marijuana Legal in Anguilla?

Anguilla’s laws ban the possession, sale, use, and cultivation of marijuana, regardless of whether it’s for medical or recreational use.

The Caribbean island country has recently softened its stance on cannabis, and the government is exploring pathways toward legalization.

As a British territory, however, Anguilla is beholden to United Kingdom-signed conventions that make full-blown legalization challenging, and there’s likely a long road ahead for people to access cannabis.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Anguilla

Anguilla’s Misuses of Drugs Act in 2000 prevented the possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis or any part of the plant, regardless of its intended use.

As a territory of the United Kingdom, Anguilla’s policy reflects the U.K.’s broader prohibition framework with little wiggle room for legislative change.

However, changing sentiment among other Caribbean nations has pointed politicians towards potential legalization, and the current political party in power is following through on its campaign pledge to ease the harsh punishments given to drug offenders.

In late 2020, the Executive Council approved the drafting of a policy decriminalizing small amounts of cannabis possession.

Legislation is currently being drafted and, once passed, would decriminalize recreational use and marijuana possession on the island up to a certain amount. However, those possessing larger amounts of marijuana or charged with the intent to sell would face the criminal justice system.

The decriminalization is intended to be the first in a series of new laws to broaden access to cannabis use and ease the strain on Anguilla’s prison system.

The Caribbean island needs to figure out how to navigate its status as a British territory and the conventions that apply to creating future weed-related laws.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Anguilla

Marijuana use, possession, and cultivation are all illegal in Anguilla. Similarly, you cannot bring cannabis into the country.

If you’re planning a visit to the area, it is recommended that you leave your cannabis (including CBD) at home, even if you have a medical marijuana card.

Cannabis Is Illegal in Anguilla

It is illegal to possess, cultivate, or sell marijuana in Anguilla, and the country’s statutes impose strict punishments on those who violate the rules.

CBD Is Illegal in Anguilla

The law doesn’t distinguish between CBD and other forms of cannabis, despite the high levels of THC in the latter. Therefore, using or possessing CBD in Anguilla is against the law.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Anguilla?

It’s illegal to cultivate cannabis in Anguilla for personal use and medicinal purposes, and the law imposes strict punishments against those who violate the rules.

The Bottom Line

The recreational and medical use of marijuana are both illegal in Anguilla. Anguilla is one of the last Caribbean countries to explore the legalization of cannabis, but it’s not far off from its first step. Lawmakers are seeking to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana possession and are investigating this change as the first step toward other cannabis laws.