(a) There is created, the Office of Cannabis Regulation (“OCR”), as part of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, with the executive authority to implement this chapter and administer the provisions including, but not limited to, rulemaking authority. The OCR shall exercise its powers and perform its respective duties and functions as specified in this chapter and shall have full and exclusive authority to:(1) Promulgate rules and regulations related to the cultivation, manufacture, sale, dispensary, testing, licensing, and use of Cannabis, prescriptive use of Cannabis, and Sacramental Use being necessary for efficient administration of its duties, as set forth in this chapter not later than 180 days of enactment of this chapter; and may include any amendments to such regulations from time to time. No regulation adopted by the OCR, shall make it unreasonably impracticable to operate or issue any licenses or permits;(2) Establish reasonable production limits governing the cultivation of Cannabis, in the interest of preventing oversaturation within the Territory;(3) Establish defined geographical zones within which Cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, production, dispensing, consumption, and related business activities may occur as a means of facilitating control and enforcement;(4) Promulgate rules and regulations related to the inter-island transport of Cannabis Items between Cannabis Licensees under this chapter. Before enacting any rules and regulations on inter-island transport of Cannabis items, the OCR shall seek formal and legal approval from all relevant local and federal entities;(5) Grant or refuse licenses for the commercial cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of Cannabis as provided by law;(6) Establish the form and content of registration and renewal applications submitted under this chapter and to establish license, permit and application fees;(7) Grant or refuse Permits for the Micro-Cultivation of Cannabis as provided by law;(8) Establish a Merit-Based Application Process to evaluate competing Cannabis Business applicants that includes an analysis of:(A) the suitability of the proposed location and, in the case of dispensaries, its accessibility for patients;(B) the character, veracity, background, qualifications, and relevant experience of applicants, owners, investors, officers and any other relevant proposed Cannabis Business Representatives;(C) the economic benefits that will inure to the residents of the Virgin Islands by local ownership, jobs, and other opportunities;(D) the business plan proposed by the applicant, which, in the case of cultivation facilities and dispensaries must include the ability to maintain an adequate supply of Cannabis, plans to ensure safety and security of patrons, and the protection of the community, as well as procedures to be used to prevent diversion of Cannabis products, and any plan for making Cannabis available to low-income registered Qualified Patients; and(E) the participation of Female-operated Entities, service-disabled veteran-operated Entities, and individuals or groups who have been adversely impacted by the criminal justice system for activities that this chapter now declares legal.(9) Establish procedures governing Cannabis Businesses with the goals of ensuring the health and safety of all users and preventing diversion and theft from the businesses without imposing an undue burden or compromising the confidentiality of users, including:(A) oversight requirements;(B) recordkeeping requirements;(C) security requirements, including lighting, physical security, and alarm requirements;(D) health and safety regulations, including restrictions on the use of pesticides that are injurious to human health;(E) standards for the manufacture of Cannabis products, and both the(F) requirements for the transportation and storage of Cannabis by Cannabis Businesses; including requirements that transportation manifests be kept(G) requirements for banking and transportation of cash deposits;(H) employment and training requirements, including requiring that each Cannabis establishment create an identification badge for each agent;(I) standards for the safe manufacture of Cannabis products, including extracts and concentrates;(J) restrictions on the advertising, signage, and display of Cannabis Dispensaries, but the restrictions may not prevent appropriate signs on the property of a Cannabis Dispensary, listings in business directories, including phone books, listings in Cannabis-related or medical publications, or the sponsorship of health or not-for-profit charity or advocacy events;(K) requirements and procedures for safe, accurate and appropriately childproofed packaging and labeling of Cannabis products; and(L) certification standards for testing facilities, including requirements for independence from Cannabis Businesses whose products are tested by such testing facilities, and equipment and qualifications for personnel;(10) Establish the social equity plan as described in section 799.(11) Establish labeling requirements for Cannabis and Cannabis Products, including requiring that edible Cannabis Products be clearly identifiable, when practicable, with a standard symbol indicating that it contains cannabis, and requiring that Cannabis Products’ labels include the following, where applicable:(A) the estimated length of time it typically takes for the product to take effect;(B) warnings to limit additional consumption while waiting for edible cannabis to enter the bloodstream and be fully absorbed;(C) disclosure of ingredients and possible allergens;(D) a nutritional or supplement fact panel;(E) date of expiration; and(F) name and address of the manufacturer.(12) Suspend, fine, restrict, or revoke the licenses or permits upon a violation of this chapter or any rule promulgated pursuant to this chapter; and(13) Impose any penalty authorized by this chapter or any rule promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
(1) Promulgate rules and regulations related to the cultivation, manufacture, sale, dispensary, testing, licensing, and use of Cannabis, prescriptive use of Cannabis, and Sacramental Use being necessary for efficient administration of its duties, as set forth in this chapter not later than 180 days of enactment of this chapter; and may include any amendments to such regulations from time to time. No regulation adopted by the OCR, shall make it unreasonably impracticable to operate or issue any licenses or permits;
(2) Establish reasonable production limits governing the cultivation of Cannabis, in the interest of preventing oversaturation within the Territory;
(3) Establish defined geographical zones within which Cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, production, dispensing, consumption, and related business activities may occur as a means of facilitating control and enforcement;
(4) Promulgate rules and regulations related to the inter-island transport of Cannabis Items between Cannabis Licensees under this chapter. Before enacting any rules and regulations on inter-island transport of Cannabis items, the OCR shall seek formal and legal approval from all relevant local and federal entities;
(5) Grant or refuse licenses for the commercial cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of Cannabis as provided by law;
(6) Establish the form and content of registration and renewal applications submitted under this chapter and to establish license, permit and application fees;
(7) Grant or refuse Permits for the Micro-Cultivation of Cannabis as provided by law;
(8) Establish a Merit-Based Application Process to evaluate competing Cannabis Business applicants that includes an analysis of:(A) the suitability of the proposed location and, in the case of dispensaries, its accessibility for patients;(B) the character, veracity, background, qualifications, and relevant experience of applicants, owners, investors, officers and any other relevant proposed Cannabis Business Representatives;(C) the economic benefits that will inure to the residents of the Virgin Islands by local ownership, jobs, and other opportunities;(D) the business plan proposed by the applicant, which, in the case of cultivation facilities and dispensaries must include the ability to maintain an adequate supply of Cannabis, plans to ensure safety and security of patrons, and the protection of the community, as well as procedures to be used to prevent diversion of Cannabis products, and any plan for making Cannabis available to low-income registered Qualified Patients; and(E) the participation of Female-operated Entities, service-disabled veteran-operated Entities, and individuals or groups who have been adversely impacted by the criminal justice system for activities that this chapter now declares legal.
(A) the suitability of the proposed location and, in the case of dispensaries, its accessibility for patients;
(B) the character, veracity, background, qualifications, and relevant experience of applicants, owners, investors, officers and any other relevant proposed Cannabis Business Representatives;
(C) the economic benefits that will inure to the residents of the Virgin Islands by local ownership, jobs, and other opportunities;
(D) the business plan proposed by the applicant, which, in the case of cultivation facilities and dispensaries must include the ability to maintain an adequate supply of Cannabis, plans to ensure safety and security of patrons, and the protection of the community, as well as procedures to be used to prevent diversion of Cannabis products, and any plan for making Cannabis available to low-income registered Qualified Patients; and
(E) the participation of Female-operated Entities, service-disabled veteran-operated Entities, and individuals or groups who have been adversely impacted by the criminal justice system for activities that this chapter now declares legal.
(9) Establish procedures governing Cannabis Businesses with the goals of ensuring the health and safety of all users and preventing diversion and theft from the businesses without imposing an undue burden or compromising the confidentiality of users, including:(A) oversight requirements;(B) recordkeeping requirements;(C) security requirements, including lighting, physical security, and alarm requirements;(D) health and safety regulations, including restrictions on the use of pesticides that are injurious to human health;(E) standards for the manufacture of Cannabis products, and both the(F) requirements for the transportation and storage of Cannabis by Cannabis Businesses; including requirements that transportation manifests be kept(G) requirements for banking and transportation of cash deposits;(H) employment and training requirements, including requiring that each Cannabis establishment create an identification badge for each agent;(I) standards for the safe manufacture of Cannabis products, including extracts and concentrates;(J) restrictions on the advertising, signage, and display of Cannabis Dispensaries, but the restrictions may not prevent appropriate signs on the property of a Cannabis Dispensary, listings in business directories, including phone books, listings in Cannabis-related or medical publications, or the sponsorship of health or not-for-profit charity or advocacy events;(K) requirements and procedures for safe, accurate and appropriately childproofed packaging and labeling of Cannabis products; and(L) certification standards for testing facilities, including requirements for independence from Cannabis Businesses whose products are tested by such testing facilities, and equipment and qualifications for personnel;
(A) oversight requirements;
(B) recordkeeping requirements;
(C) security requirements, including lighting, physical security, and alarm requirements;
(D) health and safety regulations, including restrictions on the use of pesticides that are injurious to human health;
(E) standards for the manufacture of Cannabis products, and both the
(F) requirements for the transportation and storage of Cannabis by Cannabis Businesses; including requirements that transportation manifests be kept
(G) requirements for banking and transportation of cash deposits;
(H) employment and training requirements, including requiring that each Cannabis establishment create an identification badge for each agent;
(I) standards for the safe manufacture of Cannabis products, including extracts and concentrates;
(J) restrictions on the advertising, signage, and display of Cannabis Dispensaries, but the restrictions may not prevent appropriate signs on the property of a Cannabis Dispensary, listings in business directories, including phone books, listings in Cannabis-related or medical publications, or the sponsorship of health or not-for-profit charity or advocacy events;
(K) requirements and procedures for safe, accurate and appropriately childproofed packaging and labeling of Cannabis products; and
(L) certification standards for testing facilities, including requirements for independence from Cannabis Businesses whose products are tested by such testing facilities, and equipment and qualifications for personnel;
(10) Establish the social equity plan as described in section 799.
(11) Establish labeling requirements for Cannabis and Cannabis Products, including requiring that edible Cannabis Products be clearly identifiable, when practicable, with a standard symbol indicating that it contains cannabis, and requiring that Cannabis Products’ labels include the following, where applicable:(A) the estimated length of time it typically takes for the product to take effect;(B) warnings to limit additional consumption while waiting for edible cannabis to enter the bloodstream and be fully absorbed;(C) disclosure of ingredients and possible allergens;(D) a nutritional or supplement fact panel;(E) date of expiration; and(F) name and address of the manufacturer.
(A) the estimated length of time it typically takes for the product to take effect;
(B) warnings to limit additional consumption while waiting for edible cannabis to enter the bloodstream and be fully absorbed;
(C) disclosure of ingredients and possible allergens;
(D) a nutritional or supplement fact panel;
(E) date of expiration; and
(F) name and address of the manufacturer.
(12) Suspend, fine, restrict, or revoke the licenses or permits upon a violation of this chapter or any rule promulgated pursuant to this chapter; and
(13) Impose any penalty authorized by this chapter or any rule promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
(b) The OCR shall be governed by an eleven-member board known as the Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board (“the Board”), appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Legislature.(1) The Board is comprised of the Commissioner of the Departments of Health, Agriculture, Licensing and Consumer Affairs and Tourism, as ex-officio voting members; one farmer recommended by the Local Food and Farm Council who is unaffiliated with any Cannabis Business Licensees or Permittees or Practitioners; two healthcare practitioners recommended by the Board of Medical Examiners who are knowledgeable in Cannabis medicine; a member of the business community who is unaffiliated with any Cannabis Business Licensees or Permittees or Practitioners; one disability advocate; one representative from the University of the Virgin Islands; one economist or a person with expertise in finance; and the Director of the OCR who serves as an ex officio non-voting member. The term of each member’s appointment is three years and each shall serve and be enabled to vote and be qualified to meet a quorum until a successor is appointed and qualified.(2) The Board shall meet no less than six times per year for the purpose of providing oversight and establishing policies to be carried out by the OCR.(3) Members of the Board who are employed by the Government are not entitled to a per diem for their service on the Board, but non-governmental members are entitled to a $75 per day per diem.(4) The Board shall establish a program of regular collaboration with the Industrial Hemp Commission established under title 7 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 13, subchapter III, section 207 for discussion on areas of related regulation.(5) A quorum for meetings and proceedings of the Board shall be established by the presence of six or more members.(6) There is no monetary liability, and no cause of action for damages as a result of any act, omission, proceeding, conduct or decision related to duties undertaken or performed in good faith and within the scope of the function of the Board against any current or former member, officer, administrator, staff member, representative, agent, employee, consultant, witness or any other person serving or having served on the Board, either as a part of the Board’s operation or as an individual.(7) Any officer, employee, or any other person serving or having served the Board who must defend against any claim or action arising out of any act or acts that were performed in good faith within the scope of the function of the Board may request in writing, within ten days of service, that the Government defend the action. If the person requesting defense cooperates in good faith in the defense of the claim or action, the Government shall provide and pay for such defense and any resulting judgment, compromise, or settlement.(8) All communication made by or on behalf of any person, institution, agency, or organization to the Board or to any person designated by the Board relating to an investigation or the initiation of an investigation, whether by way of report, complaint, or statement, is privileged. No action or proceeding, civil or criminal, is permitted against a person, institution, agency or organization when a good faith communication was made either on its own behalf or on behalf of another. The protections afforded in this section does not abridge a party’s right to due process.
(1) The Board is comprised of the Commissioner of the Departments of Health, Agriculture, Licensing and Consumer Affairs and Tourism, as ex-officio voting members; one farmer recommended by the Local Food and Farm Council who is unaffiliated with any Cannabis Business Licensees or Permittees or Practitioners; two healthcare practitioners recommended by the Board of Medical Examiners who are knowledgeable in Cannabis medicine; a member of the business community who is unaffiliated with any Cannabis Business Licensees or Permittees or Practitioners; one disability advocate; one representative from the University of the Virgin Islands; one economist or a person with expertise in finance; and the Director of the OCR who serves as an ex officio non-voting member. The term of each member’s appointment is three years and each shall serve and be enabled to vote and be qualified to meet a quorum until a successor is appointed and qualified.
(2) The Board shall meet no less than six times per year for the purpose of providing oversight and establishing policies to be carried out by the OCR.
(3) Members of the Board who are employed by the Government are not entitled to a per diem for their service on the Board, but non-governmental members are entitled to a $75 per day per diem.
(4) The Board shall establish a program of regular collaboration with the Industrial Hemp Commission established under title 7 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 13, subchapter III, section 207 for discussion on areas of related regulation.
(5) A quorum for meetings and proceedings of the Board shall be established by the presence of six or more members.
(6) There is no monetary liability, and no cause of action for damages as a result of any act, omission, proceeding, conduct or decision related to duties undertaken or performed in good faith and within the scope of the function of the Board against any current or former member, officer, administrator, staff member, representative, agent, employee, consultant, witness or any other person serving or having served on the Board, either as a part of the Board’s operation or as an individual.
(7) Any officer, employee, or any other person serving or having served the Board who must defend against any claim or action arising out of any act or acts that were performed in good faith within the scope of the function of the Board may request in writing, within ten days of service, that the Government defend the action. If the person requesting defense cooperates in good faith in the defense of the claim or action, the Government shall provide and pay for such defense and any resulting judgment, compromise, or settlement.
(8) All communication made by or on behalf of any person, institution, agency, or organization to the Board or to any person designated by the Board relating to an investigation or the initiation of an investigation, whether by way of report, complaint, or statement, is privileged. No action or proceeding, civil or criminal, is permitted against a person, institution, agency or organization when a good faith communication was made either on its own behalf or on behalf of another. The protections afforded in this section does not abridge a party’s right to due process.
(c) Notwithstanding anything provided herein to the contrary, the Board shall further establish:(1) a Virgin Islands Cannabis Testing Facility on each of the three major islands—St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John—initially operated by private entities awarded annual contracts using the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Request for Proposal process, with the Board retaining the authority to establish and direct construction of its own Cannabis Testing Facilities at a later date;(2) educational and certification requirements for Cannabis Business applicants, Licensees, Cannabis Business Representatives, Practitioners; and Cannabis-related businesses including, vendors, transporters, security companies, and other service providers;(3) an approved list of Cannabis Business vendors and qualified Sacramental Usage organizations;(4) rules to ensure that all Cannabis Business establishments are located in and advertised in areas that do not negatively impact enterprises and entities that rely primarily on family and youth participation, such as schools and houses of worship. Rules must address street-level and media-based advertising and marketing guidelines, to ensure that advertising and marketing does not negatively impact family-based enterprises and civic organizations. Rules must also provide that each Cannabis Business must always have comprehensive security systems in place.(5) an approved list of credit unions and other banking institutions, and security firms that Cannabis Businesses can legally and safely utilize; and(6) a recommended list of third-party vendors licensed to do business in the Virgin Islands that Cannabis Businesses can utilize.
(1) a Virgin Islands Cannabis Testing Facility on each of the three major islands—St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John—initially operated by private entities awarded annual contracts using the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Request for Proposal process, with the Board retaining the authority to establish and direct construction of its own Cannabis Testing Facilities at a later date;
(2) educational and certification requirements for Cannabis Business applicants, Licensees, Cannabis Business Representatives, Practitioners; and Cannabis-related businesses including, vendors, transporters, security companies, and other service providers;
(3) an approved list of Cannabis Business vendors and qualified Sacramental Usage organizations;
(4) rules to ensure that all Cannabis Business establishments are located in and advertised in areas that do not negatively impact enterprises and entities that rely primarily on family and youth participation, such as schools and houses of worship. Rules must address street-level and media-based advertising and marketing guidelines, to ensure that advertising and marketing does not negatively impact family-based enterprises and civic organizations. Rules must also provide that each Cannabis Business must always have comprehensive security systems in place.
(5) an approved list of credit unions and other banking institutions, and security firms that Cannabis Businesses can legally and safely utilize; and
(6) a recommended list of third-party vendors licensed to do business in the Virgin Islands that Cannabis Businesses can utilize.
(d) All rules promulgated by the Board must be published on a Virgin Islands official website. The Board shall provide not less than 30 days for public comment. Not later than 30 days after the period for public comment, the Board shall publish the final rules and proceed with the implementation of the program in accordance with the rules.
(e) The Board shall appoint the Director of the Office of Cannabis Regulation for a three-year term, which may be extended. The Director of the OCR has the responsibility to ensure:(1) the ability of Qualified Patients in all areas of the Territory to obtain timely access to Cannabis;(2) the effectiveness of the dispensaries and cultivation facilities, individually and together, in serving the needs of all users, including the provision of educational and support services by dispensaries, the reasonableness of their prices, whether they are generating any complaints or security problems, and the sufficiency of the number operating to serve the Territory’s residents and visitors;(3) the effectiveness of the Cannabis Testing Facilities;(4) the sufficiency of the regulatory and security safeguards contained in this chapter and adopted by the OCR, to ensure that access to and the use of Cannabis cultivated are provided only to those legally permitted to consume Cannabis;(5) the proposal of additions or revisions to the OCR regulations or this chapter, relating to security, safe handling, labeling, and nomenclature are considered; and(6) research studies regarding the health effects of Cannabis for Qualified Patients and other users are encouraged and conducted.
(1) the ability of Qualified Patients in all areas of the Territory to obtain timely access to Cannabis;
(2) the effectiveness of the dispensaries and cultivation facilities, individually and together, in serving the needs of all users, including the provision of educational and support services by dispensaries, the reasonableness of their prices, whether they are generating any complaints or security problems, and the sufficiency of the number operating to serve the Territory’s residents and visitors;
(3) the effectiveness of the Cannabis Testing Facilities;
(4) the sufficiency of the regulatory and security safeguards contained in this chapter and adopted by the OCR, to ensure that access to and the use of Cannabis cultivated are provided only to those legally permitted to consume Cannabis;
(5) the proposal of additions or revisions to the OCR regulations or this chapter, relating to security, safe handling, labeling, and nomenclature are considered; and
(6) research studies regarding the health effects of Cannabis for Qualified Patients and other users are encouraged and conducted.
(f) The Director shall hire additional staff as may be required to implement the requirements of this chapter, including consultants, but the OCR must become self-sufficient from the taxes or fees generated not later than two years after the promulgation and adoption of Rules pursuant to this chapter.
(g) The Director shall submit a bi-annual administrative report to the Board and the Commissioner of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, briefly outlining the staff roles, any changes to administrative policies, and any potential administrative issues or needs.
(h) The Director shall submit an annual report to the Governor, the Commissioner of Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DCLA); the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, and the Board. The annual report must comprehensively outline compiled data on the program, accomplishments, challenges and recommended regulation changes, including:(1) The number of applications for each type of license or permit processed by the OCR in the prior calendar year, the time between submission of a complete application, the number of licenses and permits approved or denied by type, and the total number of active licenses and permits by type that were valid on a monthly basis for the prior calendar year;(2) An overview of the Cannabis market, including but not limited to actual cultivation and sales volumes for the prior year and anticipated demand and production levels;(3) The amount of revenue generated by Cannabis, including but not limited to taxes, application and License fees, and any other fees paid to the OCR, as well as expenses incurred by the OCR; and(4) Enforcement measures imposed, and a list of Licensees or Permittees against whom enforcement measures were taken.
(1) The number of applications for each type of license or permit processed by the OCR in the prior calendar year, the time between submission of a complete application, the number of licenses and permits approved or denied by type, and the total number of active licenses and permits by type that were valid on a monthly basis for the prior calendar year;
(2) An overview of the Cannabis market, including but not limited to actual cultivation and sales volumes for the prior year and anticipated demand and production levels;
(3) The amount of revenue generated by Cannabis, including but not limited to taxes, application and License fees, and any other fees paid to the OCR, as well as expenses incurred by the OCR; and
(4) Enforcement measures imposed, and a list of Licensees or Permittees against whom enforcement measures were taken.
(i) All inspectors and regulatory enforcement officials of the OCR are peace officers pursuant to 5 V.I.C. § 3561.
(j) The OCR shall promulgate rules and adopt policies designed to maintain the confidentiality of individually identifiable patient information and records, as well as any confidential or proprietary business information and records. These types of confidential and federally protected records shall also be exempt from the Virgin Islands Public Records law in title 3, chapter 33 of the Virgin Islands Code. The records and information that the OCR obtains shall remain confidential but, unless release is ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, are not limited to information about a business’s operations, sales, financial records, tax returns, credit reports, cultivation information, testing regulations, security information and plans, or any revealing patient information. Any employee of the OCR or the Board, or any entity contracting with or working for the OCR or the Board, directly or indirectly, who discloses any confidential records or information that the OCR or the Board obtains, shall be subject to criminal prosecution punishable by a minimum of one year of imprisonment or a fine of $1000.
(k) The Office of Cannabis Regulation is responsible for establishing and overseeing an OCR Enforcement Division, which is tasked with enforcement of all civil, criminal, and regulatory violations related to Cannabis. The OCR Enforcement Division has all the powers of any peace officer to:(1) Investigate violations or suspected violations of this chapter and any rules promulgated pursuant to it. Make arrests, with or without warrant, for any violation of this chapter, any rules promulgated pursuant to it, any other laws or regulations pertaining to Cannabis in this Territory, or any criminal law of this Territory, if, during an officer’s exercise of powers or performance of duties pursuant to this chapter the officer believes probable cause exists that a crime related to these laws has been or is being committed;(2) Serve all warrants, summons, subpoenas, administrative citations, notices or other processes relating to the enforcement of laws regulating Cannabis;(3) Assist or aid any law enforcement officer in the performance of his duties upon the law enforcement officer’s request or the request of other local officials having jurisdiction;(4) Inspect, examine, or investigate any licensed premises, and any books and records in any way connected with any licensed activity;(5) Require any licensee, upon demand, to permit an inspection of a licensed premises, during business hours or at any time of operation, Cannabis equipment, and Cannabis accessories, or books and records, and, to permit the testing or examination of Cannabis Items;(6) Conduct investigations into the character, criminal history, and all other relevant factors related to suitability of all licensees, permittees, Third Party Vendors, Cannabis Business Representatives, and applicants for Licenses and Permits, and such other persons with a direct or indirect interest in a Cannabis Business or potential Cannabis Business; and(7) Exercise any other power or duty authorized by law and in furtherance of the requirements of this chapter.
(1) Investigate violations or suspected violations of this chapter and any rules promulgated pursuant to it. Make arrests, with or without warrant, for any violation of this chapter, any rules promulgated pursuant to it, any other laws or regulations pertaining to Cannabis in this Territory, or any criminal law of this Territory, if, during an officer’s exercise of powers or performance of duties pursuant to this chapter the officer believes probable cause exists that a crime related to these laws has been or is being committed;
(2) Serve all warrants, summons, subpoenas, administrative citations, notices or other processes relating to the enforcement of laws regulating Cannabis;
(3) Assist or aid any law enforcement officer in the performance of his duties upon the law enforcement officer’s request or the request of other local officials having jurisdiction;
(4) Inspect, examine, or investigate any licensed premises, and any books and records in any way connected with any licensed activity;
(5) Require any licensee, upon demand, to permit an inspection of a licensed premises, during business hours or at any time of operation, Cannabis equipment, and Cannabis accessories, or books and records, and, to permit the testing or examination of Cannabis Items;
(6) Conduct investigations into the character, criminal history, and all other relevant factors related to suitability of all licensees, permittees, Third Party Vendors, Cannabis Business Representatives, and applicants for Licenses and Permits, and such other persons with a direct or indirect interest in a Cannabis Business or potential Cannabis Business; and
(7) Exercise any other power or duty authorized by law and in furtherance of the requirements of this chapter.
(l) The OCR shall collaborate with the Virgin Islands Police Department to ensure that the requirements of this chapter and the rules promulgated by the OCR are enforced 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The OCR shall fund and arrange for any necessary training for the Virgin Islands Police Department officers to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(m) All private entities awarded contracts to serve as a Cannabis Testing Facility shall hire 60% of its entire workforce, full-time and part-time, as Virgin Islands residents, and may not have, among its ownership interests or workforce, any conflicting ownership interest of any form with a Cannabis Business establishment in the Territory that will be the subject of such testing services. A Virgin Islands resident for purposes of this subsection is a resident who qualifies under 29 V.I.C. § 1003(9).
(2) In subsection (c)(4) by striking the first instance of “cannabis” and inserting “Cannabis Business”;
(3) In subsection (f) by striking “enactment of” and inserting “promulgation and adoption of Rules pursuant to”.;
(4) In subsection (h) by striking “Committee on Health;”
(5) In subsection (k) by striking the second sentence;