The embattled outgoing Governor, Mr Augusts J.U. Jaspert, now under fire for holding the entire medical marijuana industry hostage, and what some consider a disregard of the powers of the House and that of VI lawmakers, including the process of creating laws, given the bill has not been assented to almost three months later.

The Governor’s Office in early September had told sections of the local media that the bill had not been assented to as yet because Mr Jaspert was giving thorough consideration to the bill according to his duties set out in the VI constitution.

The VI 'Medicinal Cannabis Licensing ACT, 2020' paves the way for the territory to establish its own medicinal marijuana industry, through the cultivation of special strains of cannabis on local farmlands, by local marijuana farmers.

Governor 'throw out' entire legislative process - Skelton-Cline

Radio talk show host, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline, in a special Friday, September 25, 2020, edition of his ‘Honestly Speaking’ show, blasted the Governor over his decision to not assent to the bill, thus disrespecting the process of creating laws in the VI.

“You mean to tell me we got an Attorney General sitting in office… how you going to throw out a whole process of legislation, through cabinet, through the House of Assembly, through drafting and re-drafting… passed that bill in the House of Assembly only to be told in the end that now you [Governor Jaspert] got to check with the UK?" Skelton-Cline questioned.

“Why weren’t those things flagged during the process? That should be a part of the due diligence,” Mr Skelton-Cline said.

Ahead of its final reading on June 30, 2020, the 'Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Act, 2020' was combed clause by clause by both the government and Opposition in the committee stage of the House as recommended by Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8).

Radio talk show host, Claude O. Skelton-Cline in the special Friday, September 25, 2020, edition of his ‘Honestly Speaking’ show blasted the Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert over his decision to not assent the Cannabis Act, thus disrespecting process of creating laws.

Cannabis bill brings new industry & employment - Premier Fahie

The VI 'Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Act, 2020' essentially paves the way for the Territory to establish its own medicinal marijuana industry through the cultivation of special strains of cannabis on local farmlands by local marijuana farmers.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) had said that the bill, along with creating a new industry, will provide employment opportunities for the people of the VI.