(a) The Board may collaborate with University of the Virgin Islands to promote the research and development within the Virgin Islands of Cannabis and related products and technology. The Board shall work cooperatively with research programs established by the University of the Virgin Islands and other universities that conduct similar research programs.
(b) In undertaking the Cannabis research program, the University of the Virgin Islands may:(1) Grow Cannabis to conduct agronomy research and analysis of required soils, growing conditions, and harvest methods relating to the production of Cannabis for commercial products, including but not limited to Cannabis seed or strains of Cannabis, and Cannabis Items;(2) Conduct research on various types of Cannabis which are best suited for growing in the Virgin Islands, including but not limited to, seed availability, creation of Virgin Islands hybrid types, in-the-ground variety trials, and seed production.(3) Study the economic feasibility of developing a Cannabis market in various types of Cannabis which can be grown in the Virgin Islands;(4) Report on the estimated value-added benefits, including environmental benefits that the Virgin Islands and state-side businesses would reap by having a Cannabis market of Virgin Islands-grown Cannabis varieties in the Territory;(5) Study the agronomy research being conducted worldwide relating to industrial Cannabis varieties, production, and utilization;(6) Research and promote Virgin Islands Cannabis and Cannabis seed on the world market, which can be grown on farms in the Territory; and(7) Study the feasibility of attracting private funding for the Virgin Islands Cannabis research program.
(1) Grow Cannabis to conduct agronomy research and analysis of required soils, growing conditions, and harvest methods relating to the production of Cannabis for commercial products, including but not limited to Cannabis seed or strains of Cannabis, and Cannabis Items;
(2) Conduct research on various types of Cannabis which are best suited for growing in the Virgin Islands, including but not limited to, seed availability, creation of Virgin Islands hybrid types, in-the-ground variety trials, and seed production.
(3) Study the economic feasibility of developing a Cannabis market in various types of Cannabis which can be grown in the Virgin Islands;
(4) Report on the estimated value-added benefits, including environmental benefits that the Virgin Islands and state-side businesses would reap by having a Cannabis market of Virgin Islands-grown Cannabis varieties in the Territory;
(5) Study the agronomy research being conducted worldwide relating to industrial Cannabis varieties, production, and utilization;
(6) Research and promote Virgin Islands Cannabis and Cannabis seed on the world market, which can be grown on farms in the Territory; and
(7) Study the feasibility of attracting private funding for the Virgin Islands Cannabis research program.
(c) The authorization granted in this section does not subject the Cannabis research programs wherever they are in the Virgin Islands, to any criminal liability under the controlled substances laws of the Virgin Islands. This exemption from criminal liability is a limited exemption to be strictly construed and does not apply to any of the activities of the Cannabis research programs.
(d) The authorization granted in this section does not alter, amend, or repeal by implication any provision of the laws of the Virgin Islands relating to controlled substances.
(e) The University of the Virgin Islands and the Board shall notify the Virgin Islands Police Department of the duration, size, and location of all Cannabis plots.
(f) Unless prohibited by law, it is the intent of the Legislature that Cannabis Research and Development Licensees are eligible for tax and other benefits provided under the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park Corporation Act, 17 V.I.C. 480, et. seq,. and under the Enterprise Zone Program Act, 29 V.I.C., chapter 19, provided that the business or enterprise would otherwise qualify for these benefits under the provisions of the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park Corporation Act, 17 V.I.C. 480, et. seq., or Enterprise Zone Program Act, 29 V.I.C., chapter 19, as applicable, and any regulations promulgated thereunder for research and development and technology development and other knowledge-based purposes and uses or activities within an Enterprise Zone.