Health

Marijuana for Recreational Use Soon to be Legal in USVI? Senate Committee of the Whole Set for Friday

Marijuana for recreational use in a controlled market may soon become a reality in the U.S. Virgin Islands after years of debate. With Governor Albert Bryan — who signed into law the medicinal marijuana bill upon taking office early 2019 — pressuring the 33rd Legislature to pass an amended measure that legalizes recreational use of the drug in a limited capacity, lawmakers appear now more than ever to be leaning toward passing the measure. Mr. Bryan has contended that legalization would provide a much-needed revenue stream that would help undergird the beleaguered Government Employees' Retirement System (G.E.R.S.). Senate President Novelle Francis has set a Committee of the Whole hearing for Friday, where senators will only discuss the matter, as no votes are taken during Committee of the Whole hearings. However, if senators are satisfied with the responses from officials invited to testify Friday, the next step could be rapid legislative action. The Legislature previously consider...