UWIFIC and MCA Establish Collaborative Framework

The University of the West Indies (UWIFIC) Five Islands Campus and the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) have formalised a partnership aimed at advancing medicinal cannabis research and education within the country’s developing industry. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on April 17, 2026, during the third annual Antigua and Barbuda Cannabis (ABC) Festival, as reported by the Antigua Observer.

This agreement represents the first formal collaboration of its kind between the nation’s primary higher education institution and its medicinal cannabis regulator. It establishes a framework for joint research initiatives, academic programming, skills training, and knowledge exchange specifically within the medicinal cannabis sector.

Strategic Objectives of the Partnership

MCA Chief Executive Officer Regis Burton stated that the partnership is intended to shift the industry’s perception beyond its historical association with recreational use. Burton emphasised the necessity of demonstrating the efficacy and value of medicinal products through evidence-based research. He noted, “In order for us to advance and to move away from that, we have to be able to demonstrate those products and added value products that also exist within the space.”

UWIFIC Principal Professor Justin Robinson expressed the university’s commitment to contributing to the health, wellness, and economic development of Antiguans and Barbudans through this collaboration. The MOU outlines several key areas of focus:

• Collaborative Research: Investigating the therapeutic potential of cannabis.
• Academic Program Development: Creating new academic offerings in fields such as cannabis agronomy, extraction science, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Policy Input: Joint initiatives to inform national health policy related to medicinal cannabis.
• Industry Support: Efforts to support responsible growth within the sector.

The College of Agriculture’s expanding involvement in the cannabis sector was also cited by Burton as a natural fit for the partnership, further integrating agricultural science with medicinal applications.

Legal Character and Future Implementation

Jeniece St Romain, a Crown Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General who assisted in drafting the MOU, clarified the agreement’s legal nature. She explained that the MOU is not a legally binding contract but rather a clear statement of institutional intent from both parties to collaborate in an area critical for Antigua and Barbuda’s development.

St Romain indicated that specific projects, timelines, and resource commitments will be detailed in subsequent subsidiary agreements as the partnership evolves. This approach is standard practice for such collaborative frameworks, with both parties having signed in good faith. The immediate focus is now on transitioning from the framework to actionable initiatives.

The MCA continues to prioritise responsible industry development, moving towards cultivation for diverse product development rather than solely for smoking. This strategic direction underscores the importance of the new medicinal cannabis research and education partnership in achieving these goals.

---

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.