U.S. Virgin Islands Adult-Use Cannabis Cultivation Applications Open March 31

By Jerrico Perez, Samantha Fow

Mar 20, 2025

A major milestone has been marked for the USVI’s emerging adult-use cannabis industry. Starting March 31, cannabis cultivators and micro-cultivators will be able to apply for licenses on the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.

USVI Cannabis Cultivation and Micro-cultivation Licensing Starts March 31

The deadline for cultivation applications will be at least 60 days from the March 31 release date, but more details will be forthcoming on exactly how long applicants will have to submit. While micro-cultivation licenses are unlimited, cultivation licenses will be subject to the limits below:

St. Croix – 15 cultivation licenses
St. John – 5 cultivation licenses
St. Thomas – 15 cultivation licenses

Cultivation licensees will be selected via a merit-based system and the application process is expected to be highly competitive!

USVI Cannabis Regulatory Updates and Industry Developments

The CAB is still working out the details of how the USVI cannabis program will be administered, but they have made meaningful progress already. The USVI government has now fully onboarded and is training enforcement personnel, shifting attention after the trainings to public education and outreach efforts. Additionally, the METRC track-and-trace system has been procured and is expected to be operational on the islands by late summer 2025.

What’s next? USVI Cannabis Manufacturing and Retail Licenses

Manufacturing and retail applications will be released on a rolling basis following the cultivation application announcement. Applications for cultivation and retail licenses will be reviewed via a merit-based system, with only the highest-scoring applicants selected for licensure. Now is the time to begin preparing your application submission. Our experienced attorneys and staff at Vicente understand how to strategically plan for and prepare a winning application!

Need Assistance Drafting Your USVI Cannabis License Application?

The USVI cannabis market is taking shape, and potential applicants should prepare now. Whether you're pursuing a cultivation, manufacturing, or retail license, understanding the regulations, market, and competitive evaluation criteria is essential.

Our team is here to help with business planning, corporate structuring, application drafting and preparation, team building, strategic planning, and more! Contact us to get started on your next cannabis industry endeavor in the USVI.