The CND zeroed-in on the decision to remove cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs — where it was listed alongside deadly, addictive opioids, including heroin.

For some 59 years, cannabis was even discouraged for its use for medical purposes.

“With an historic vote of 27 in favour, 25 against, and one abstention, the CND has opened the door to recognizing the medicinal and therapeutic potential of the commonly-used but still largely illegal recreational drug,” a UN news report said.

Currently, more than 50 countries have adopted medicinal cannabis programmes while Canada, Uruguay and 15 US states have legalised its recreational use, with Mexico and Luxembourg close to becoming the third and fourth countries to do so.

In the meantime, local representatives have expressed their frustration over the lack of assent given to The Cannabis Licensing Act which sets the framework for the establishment of a medical marijuana industry in the BVI.

It was approved by the House of Assembly in July of this year but Governor Jaspert who will demit office in early 2021 recently told BVI News that he is still considering the bill.