Cultivating the Future: The 2nd Annual Wadadli Cannabis Festival Charts a Course for Education, Innovation, and Justice by Brent Simon and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – The 2nd Annual Wadadli Cannabis Festival, held on April 17th at the Sir John E. St. Luce Financial and Conference Center, served as a vibrant hub for dialogue, education, and strategic planning for the burgeoning medicinal cannabis industry in Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean. The event not only celebrated the significant progress achieved but also laid out a clear vision for future growth rooted in education, sustainable practices, and social responsibility.
The festival commenced at 9:00 AM with an Opening Invocation by High Priest Selah, setting a spiritual tone for the day. This was followed by the National Anthem and an insightful address by Mr. Regis Burton, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority, titled “The Future Depends on You,” outlining the potential and responsibilities within the burgeoning industry. Attendees had the distinct privilege of hearing a Testimonial: A Caribbean Cannabis Experience from Ambassador Bruce Goodwin, who contextualized the present moment by reflecting on the historical and cultural significance of cannabis within the Rastafari movement.
Drawing on his personal experiences in 1960s Jamaica, Ambassador Goodwin illuminated the deep spiritual connection between Rastafarians and cannabis, while also recalling the era’s oppressive social and political climate. His narrative underscored the enduring legacy of Rastafari, its introduction to Antigua, its profound influence on the evolving perception and acceptance of cannabis.
A significant highlight of the conference came next and this the graduation of the first cohort of certified Medicinal Cannabis Professionals, a tangible testament to the progress spurred by the Cannabis Act of 2018 and the establishment of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA). landscape. This celebrated the achievement of the first group of certified Medicinal Cannabis Professionals in Antigua and Barbuda, highlighting the tangible progress in building local expertise and positioning Antigua and Barbuda as an emerging leader in the medical cannabis industry.
The OFFICIAL OPENING OF WCF 2025 then took place with remarks from Crown Counsel – Ms. Janice St. Romaine, further underscoring the legal and regulatory framework underpinning the industry.
Next the attendees viewed a video presentation of a case study update featuring Dr. Yazigi and King Osageyfo, providing further insights into the medical applications and potential of cannabis in cancer treatment. Adding a compelling medical perspective, the case study illustrated the successful use of cannabis in treating a patient with stage 4 cancer, further validating its medicinal potential.
The morning culminated in a dynamic Panel Discussion: “Exploring the Possibilities of the Now”. This engaging session brought together a diverse panel of experts including Dr. Garfield Alexander, Dr. Kadamawe Knife, Dr. Machel Emmanuel, Mr. Andrew Wilson, and Mr. Tim McIntyre, who delved into the current opportunities and future directions of the medicinal cannabis industry.
The panel provided a crucial examination of the sector’s evolution and inherent challenges. Mr. Tim McIntyre offered a cautionary tale from Canada’s experience, emphasizing the critical need for robust regulatory support to ensure the sustainability of licensed producers. Dr. Marshall Emmanuel stressed the paramount importance of quality assurance in cannabis cultivation, citing concerning data on pesticide residue in Caribbean crops and advocating for stringent standards. Andrew Wilson introduced innovative traceability software, highlighting the growing need for transparency and accountability within the supply chain. Dr. Kadamawe Knife emphasized on food sovereignty in the region. Dr. Alexander reflected on the spiritual and economic significance of cannabis to the Caribbean man. The panel collectively underscored the value of integrating local knowledge and prioritizing sustainable practices to safeguard both public health and the environment.
Following a lunch break and exhibition viewing, the afternoon sessions commenced at 1:30 PM with a crucial panel on “Responsible Substance Use.” This important discussion featured Ms. Feona Charles Richards, Ras Bobby, and Director of Agriculture Mr.Gregory Bailey, addressing the social and health considerations associated with cannabis use.
The festival fostered regional collaboration through the Caribbean Cannabis Round Table. Representatives from various Caribbean nations, including Ras Sankofa Maccabbee (St. Kitts), Mr. Dylan Norbert Inglis (St. Lucia), Ms. Shanice Roberts Odele (Barbados), Mr. Terral Mapp (St. Vincent & the Grenadines), and Mr. Al-Mario Casimir (Dominica), shared their experiences and insights on the evolving cannabis landscape across the region.
The focus then shifted back to local developments at with Antigua and Barbuda New Industry Updates followed by a vital Public Consultation – Q&A session, emphasizing transparency and community involvement in shaping the nation’s cannabis industry.
The formal proceedings concluded with a closing charge by Mr. Regis Burton, CEO of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority, who summarized key takeaways and outlining future steps. The festival ended with a Closing Invocation by High Priest Selah at 4:00 PM.
A key focus remained on education and knowledge sharing. Experts highlighted the therapeutic properties of cannabis, offering insights into its potential for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and stress management. The festival also served as a crucial platform for refining regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the need to align with global standards while effectively addressing the unique needs and context of Antigua and Barbuda. The importance of accessible licensing for local entrepreneurs and the significant economic opportunities presented by the medicinal cannabis sector were also key topics of discussion.
Looking towards the future, the Wadadli Cannabis Festival galvanized a series of key action items aimed at fostering responsible and sustainable growth within the industry:
· Extending expertise to Dominica in the development of their own regulatory framework.
· Forging collaborations with international cannabis breeding companies to cultivate genetics specifically suited for the Caribbean tropics.
· Providing guidance and support to local cannabis companies seeking to enter the international market.
· Actively exploring opportunities to integrate traditional cannabis cultivators into the legal framework and promote social and restorative justice initiatives.
· Undertaking investigations into pesticide use within the local agricultural sector to mitigate potential risks to the cannabis industry.
· Prioritizing public education on the importance of using safe and ethically sourced cannabis products.
The 2nd Annual Wadadli Cannabis Festival not only celebrated the advancements in Antigua and Barbuda’s medicinal cannabis industry but also fostered a collaborative spirit and a clear vision for a future where education, innovation, and social responsibility drive the sustainable growth of the sector, deeply informed by the cultural and historical significance of cannabis within the region.
