US Virgin Islands require cannabis licences for intoxicating hemp products

The US Virgin Islands brought intoxicating hemp products and artificially derived cannabinoids under cannabis-regulator licensing in January 2026. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. approved a law restricting their possession, manufacture and sale without the relevant licence or permit, with civil fines starting at $2,500.^[1]

Hemp labels no longer settled the rules

The law distinguished ordinary hemp and industrial hemp from intoxicating products. Its controlled categories included chemically altered cannabinoids, specified intoxicating cannabinoids and products containing quantifiable THCA or marketed for effects similar to THC.^[1]

It defined hemp using a total delta-9 THC concentration, including THCA, of no more than 0.3% on a dry-weight basis. Non-intoxicating hemp businesses, including CBD sellers and manufacturers, needed a permit from the Industrial Hemp Commission before obtaining a business licence.^[1]

Licensed shops needed age checks and testing

Intoxicating-hemp retailers had to verify that purchasers were at least 21. Their products required independent ISO-certified laboratory testing, and packaging had to be child-resistant and tamper-evident. The law also prohibited products mimicking candy or snack items.^[1]

The first civil fine was $2,500, rising to at least $5,000 for a second offence within twelve months. Repeated violations could lead to permit or business-licence revocation through the procedures specified in the law.^[1]

Existing stock first faced a freeze

The original inventory rule prohibited retailers from selling or distributing covered products until the regulator promulgated rules and issued retail licences. Retailers were directed to notify and coordinate with the Department of Health over storage.^[1]

In March 2026, Bryan approved a replacement. It told retailers to submit an inventory list within 60 days and sell or otherwise dispose of the stock within 75 days of the act’s effective date. After that period, the regulator was to establish a lawful disposal plan for remaining unsold products.^[2]

The board later reconsidered retail hours

At its September meeting, the Cannabis Advisory Board reviewed draft rules for intoxicating hemp. Members approved allowing sales during the licensed establishment’s normal hours and requiring advance notice of material transport-procedure changes, subject to exceptions. These were decisions on the draft rules under consideration.^[3]

The same meeting reported the first commercial cannabis grow’s operating approval. The US Virgin Islands profile explains the distinct rules for intoxicating hemp, ordinary cannabis and patient growing.