Bryan signs Virgin Islands adult-use cannabis law and issues marijuana pardon proclamation

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act, Act 8680, into law on Jan. 18, 2023, authorizing adult cannabis use for medicinal, sacramental and other uses and establishing regulation of cannabis production, distribution and use.

During the signing ceremony for the measure passed by the 34th Legislature, Bryan also issued a proclamation allowing people convicted of simple marijuana possession under Virgin Islands law to apply for a pardon through the Virgin Islands Department of Justice.

According to Government House, people convicted of simple possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana will have their convictions automatically expunged under the cannabis law and the accompanying Expungement Act, Act 8679.

Government House said a pardon does not remove a conviction from a person’s record, but forgives the offense. It said people seeking expungement of marijuana-related convictions and other eligible convictions may also file a petition with the court.

Bryan said his office estimated that about 300 people had been convicted of simple marijuana possession in the previous 20 years.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-signs-adult-use-cannabis-legislation-into-law/