UWIFIC and MCA Establish Collaborative Framework
The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWIFIC) and the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen cooperation in medicinal cannabis research, education, and policy development. The agreement was formalised on 17 April 2026 during the third annual Antigua and Barbuda Cannabis (ABC) Festival, as reported by the Antigua Observer. This marks the first structured partnership between the country’s leading higher‑education institution and its medicinal cannabis regulator.
Strategic Objectives of the Partnership
MCA Chief Executive Officer Regis Burton explained that the collaboration aims to shift public perception of cannabis from its historical recreational associations to a scientifically grounded, health‑focused industry. “To move beyond the legacy of recreational use, we must demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy and added value of medicinal products through rigorous, evidence‑based research,” Burton said.
UWIFIC Principal Professor Justin Robinson highlighted the university’s role in supporting national health, wellness, and economic growth. The MOU outlines several priority areas:
Collaborative Research
Joint investigations will explore the therapeutic potential of various cannabis strains, cannabinoid profiles, and delivery methods. Preliminary studies will focus on conditions prevalent in the Caribbean, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders.
Academic Programme Development
The partners plan to create new curricula covering cannabis agronomy, extraction science, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. These programmes will be housed within UWIFIC’s College of Agriculture and Faculty of Medical Sciences, providing students with hands‑on training aligned with industry standards.
Policy Input
UWIFIC researchers and MCA officials will work together to generate data‑driven recommendations for national health policy. This includes advising on licensing frameworks, product safety standards, and public‑health monitoring mechanisms.
Industry Support
To foster responsible sector growth, the partnership will offer technical assistance to licensed cultivators and processors, promote good agricultural practices, and support the development of value‑added products such as tinctures, topicals, and standardized extracts.
Legal Character and Future Implementation
Jeniece St Romain, Crown Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General who assisted in drafting the MOU, clarified that the document expresses a shared intent rather than a legally binding contract. Specific projects, timelines, and resource commitments will be outlined in subsequent subsidiary agreements as the collaboration evolves. This staged approach is typical for academic‑government partnerships, allowing flexibility while maintaining accountability.
The MCA continues to prioritise cultivation for diverse product development beyond traditional smoked forms, reinforcing the importance of research‑driven innovation in achieving its public‑health and economic objectives.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hemp Gazette does not provide medical recommendations, diagnoses, or treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any decisions regarding your health or any medical condition. Statements concerning the therapeutic uses of hemp, cannabis, or cannabinoid‑derived products have not been evaluated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal cannabis products in Australia are accessed via prescription pathways under TGA regulation.
For the original report, see the source: Here
