As Michaelus Tracey demonstrates, rubbing the leaf and taking a whiff reveals the plant's distinct fragrance.

A comparison of the two plants he is holding highlights the difference in their scents, with one emitting a musky aroma and the other a citrusy one.

At first glance, the organized rows of flowering cannabis crops appear identical, with no visible distinguishing features.

However, master cultivator Michaelus Tracey is able to distinguish between the various types by their unique fragrances and leaf shapes.

Pineapple Road, a rural farm on the Caribbean island of Antigua, is currently cultivating nine different strains of cannabis, taking advantage of the island's ideal climate, which features warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and high humidity.

According to Tracey, extensive trials were undertaken to develop diverse strains of cannabis, each with unique characteristics. The goal was to create products that offered a range of benefits, including relaxation, energy, pain relief, and anxiety reduction, while maintaining medicinal value.

Jamaica's decision to decriminalise recreational cannabis use and legalise its production and sale for medical purposes marked a significant milestone, having taken place a decade ago. This move has been followed by other Caribbean countries, such as Antigua and Barbuda, which adopted similar policies in 2018.

The association between cannabis and Caribbean culture is a longstanding one, often perpetuated as a stereotype. However, the region's prominence in the cannabis industry is less well-known, despite its rich history and widespread acceptance of the plant.

The Caribbean is now home to numerous licensed cannabis farms and medicinal dispensaries, catering to both local residents and tourists who possess a valid medical authorisation card. These establishments provide a regulated environment for the purchase and use of cannabis.

Prof Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, a leading expert on the Caribbean cannabis industry, argues that additional reforms are necessary to further liberalise the sector and unlock its full potential.

Antoine, former chair of the Caribbean Community's Regional Commission on Marijuana, advocates for a more comprehensive approach, stating that decriminalization falls short and that regulated legalization is the preferred solution.

As campus principal at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, Antoine oversees an institution where researchers are poised to embark on a study exploring the potential benefits of cannabis.

The research, slated to take place in Antigua due to its more permissive legislation, is expected to delve into various areas, including the potential of cannabis to mitigate the side effects of cancer treatment and its possible role in enhancing agricultural productivity through improved soil health.

Antoine acknowledges that the research holds significant promise, but notes that a legalized framework would greatly facilitate the process.

According to Antoine, the Caribbean has a rich history and expertise in cannabis, boasting a wide range of strains and traditional knowledge; however, she believes that stringent laws and the "war on drugs" have hindered not only the industry's growth but also the advancement of research and development in the region.

The Caribbean region is awaiting potential benefits from a recent move by US President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order in December to reclassify cannabis as a less restricted substance.

According to Alexandra Chong, CEO of Jacana, a Jamaica-based company that offers various cannabis-derived products, including oil drops and skin cream, the development marks a notable turning point.

Chong notes that US public policy often has a ripple effect in the Caribbean, and the previous classification of cannabis as a schedule one drug, equivalent to heroin, had a limiting impact on regional regulatory approaches.

In Chong's view, the US decision to reclassify cannabis to a schedule three level, comparable to certain prescription medications like paracetamol-codeine tablets, is a more suitable categorization.

The reclassification of cannabis by the White House may pave the way for Caribbean countries to export the substance to the US for recreational purposes in the future.

The federal law in the US still prohibits the importation of cannabis, despite recreational use being legalized in 24 states.

Jamaica and Antigua are poised to capitalize on the legal export of cannabis, with Jamaica's Cannabis Licensing Authority establishing temporary procedures to enable licensed exporters to ship the product to countries with valid import permits.

Antigua and Barbuda's Medicinal Cannabis Authority is actively developing its cannabis export sector, leveraging the country's strategic location, international airport, and existing legal framework, according to Chief Executive Regis Burton.

Burton expresses confidence that Antigua will likely secure export opportunities, partly due to the unique appeal of its cannabis products, noting that few people have experienced Antiguan cannabis.

However, the domestic cannabis markets in Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda face challenges, including high operational costs and restrictive sales regulations, which have created an environment where illegal producers dominate the market.

According to Jacana, Jamaica's cannabis usage is substantial, with approximately 800,000 individuals consuming the drug annually, half of whom are visitors to the island. However, it is estimated that around 90% of the 87 tonnes of cannabis used each year is obtained through unauthorized channels.

Chong notes that the industry has been hindered by excessive regulation, which has made it challenging to operate. Although the situation has improved over time, significant issues persist, and the current state of affairs is far from ideal.

As a result of these challenges, it is estimated that only a small fraction of the more than 160 licenses issued by Jamaica's Cannabis Licensing Authority between 2017 and 2024 remain active, with many licensees ceasing operations due to the difficulties faced.

Robert Hill, an industry consultant in Antigua, observes that the illegal importation of cannabis remains a more lucrative option due to the lower overhead costs, as private companies have expenses such as employee salaries and utility bills that illegal dealers do not incur.

The current state of Antigua's cannabis industry is marked by a limited number of licensed operators, with only six farms, four dispensaries, and one cannabis lounge, where on-site consumption is permitted. Meanwhile, authorities on the island recently intercepted 45kg of illegally imported cannabis in a single 24-hour period in September, highlighting the ongoing issue of illicit cannabis trade.

Antigua is taking a unique approach to addressing domestic illicit cannabis cultivation, opting for education over prosecution. The government has introduced a complimentary six-week program aimed at teaching unauthorized growers how to enter the legal market.

According to Burton, speaking to the BBC, 22 individuals have already completed the course, with two set to launch their own medicinal cannabis businesses. Burton emphasizes that the success of the industry relies on regulating the illicit market.

The gradual loosening of cannabis laws in the Caribbean is reportedly yielding positive outcomes for a specific community in terms of social justice.

In 2018, Antigua's Prime Minister Gaston Browne formally apologized to the Rastafarian community for the historical persecution, stigma, and mistreatment they faced due to their cannabis use. By 2024, the government had granted Rastafarians formal permission to cultivate cannabis for sacramental purposes.

The following year, the government announced its intention to clear the criminal records of individuals previously convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana, marking another step forward in the country's evolving approach to cannabis regulation.

High Priest Selah, a member of Antigua's Nyabinghi Rastafarian community, still recalls the difficulties his group faced in the past, including harassment and persecution.

Selah remembers the frequent police raids, during which officers would arrest community members, destroy their crops, and publicly humiliate them. However, through the efforts of campaigners from his community, the plant was eventually decriminalized.

At the Pineapple Road facility, employees are meticulously crafting joints, each containing one gram of marijuana, which will be sold in the on-site dispensary.

Burton's goal is to encourage more local farmers to participate in the industry, thereby keeping the financial benefits within the Caribbean region.

Hill shares this vision, noting that the region's favorable climate allows for cost-effective production, enabling local growers to compete with larger countries. He emphasizes that the focus is on promoting wellness, rather than recreating a tourist-oriented model like Amsterdam.