Cayman Islands lawyer urges government action on cannabis decriminalization
Attorney calls for legislative movement on stalled cannabis reform as regional jurisdictions advance decriminalization frameworks.
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Attorney presses for legislative movement on cannabis reform
An unnamed lawyer urged Cayman Islands officials to advance cannabis decriminalization legislation that's seen no movement in the Legislative Assembly. According to the Cayman Compass, the attorney argued the territory's inaction contrasts sharply with progress in Jamaica, Bermuda, and several Eastern Caribbean states that have enacted or proposed decriminalization frameworks since 2024.
The Cayman Islands government hasn't introduced a formal cannabis decriminalization bill, though advocacy groups have submitted draft proposals to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. No timeline for legislative action has been announced.
Regional context: Caribbean jurisdictions advance reform
At least four Caribbean territories have enacted or advanced cannabis decriminalization measures since January 2024, creating regulatory pressure on the Cayman Islands. Jamaica expanded its 2015 decriminalization framework in March 2025, raising possession thresholds and establishing community-service alternatives to fines. Bermuda's Cannabis Licensing Act took effect in December 2024. It decriminalized possession of up to 7 grams and launched a regulated cultivation regime.
The Cayman Islands risks becoming an outlier in the region as neighboring jurisdictions modernize cannabis policy and capture economic benefits from regulated markets.
The attorney's statement didn't specify which jurisdictions the Cayman Islands should emulate, but the regional trend favors small-quantity decriminalization paired with medical-access programs. Antigua and Barbuda passed a Cannabis Bill in February 2025 decriminalizing possession of up to 15 grams, while Saint Kitts and Nevis introduced similar legislation in April 2026.
Key regional cannabis reforms 2024-2026:
- Jamaica: Raised decriminalized possession threshold to 4 ounces (March 2025)
- Bermuda: Decriminalized 7 grams, licensed cultivation (December 2024)
- Antigua and Barbuda: Decriminalized 15 grams, medical program (February 2025)
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: Decriminalization bill introduced (April 2026)
Cayman Islands cannabis policy remains unchanged since 2017
Cannabis possession remains a criminal offense under the Misuse of Drugs Act, with penalties of up to one year imprisonment for first-time offenders possessing any amount. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service reported 127 cannabis-related arrests in 2025, down from 189 in 2024, according to government crime statistics.
A 2022 public consultation on cannabis reform drew more than 800 submissions. Sixty-three percent of respondents supported decriminalization of small amounts for personal use. The Ministry of Health and Wellness hasn't released findings from that consultation or proposed legislation. For full background on this story, see the CannIntel topic hub on Cayman Islands Cannabis Decriminalization.
The attorney's appeal didn't name specific officials or legislative sponsors. The next Legislative Assembly session is scheduled for June 18, 2026, but cannabis policy isn't listed on the provisional agenda.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current legal status of cannabis in the Cayman Islands?
Cannabis possession is a criminal offense under the Misuse of Drugs Act. First-time offenders face up to one year imprisonment for any amount. No decriminalization or medical-use framework exists as of June 2026.
Which Caribbean jurisdictions have decriminalized cannabis?
Jamaica, Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis have enacted or proposed decriminalization since 2024. Jamaica raised its threshold to 4 ounces in March 2025; Bermuda decriminalized 7 grams in December 2024.
Has the Cayman Islands government proposed cannabis reform legislation?
No formal bill has been introduced in the Legislative Assembly. A 2022 public consultation drew 800 submissions with 63% supporting decriminalization, but the Ministry of Health and Wellness hasn't released findings or a legislative proposal.
How many cannabis arrests occurred in the Cayman Islands in 2025?
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service reported 127 cannabis-related arrests in 2025, down from 189 in 2024, according to government crime statistics.
Sources
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