ADVISORY: Cannabis and leisure travel in the USVI—What you need to know

ST. THOMAS / ST. CROIX / ST. JOHN — As the U.S. Virgin Islands prepares for the full rollout of its legal adult-use cannabis market in 2026, a dangerous “legal gray area” remains for travelers.¹ Local authorities and federal agents are urging residents and visitors to understand that while a substance may be legal on a St. Croix beach, it remains a federal felony at the airport.

1. The Jurisdiction Gap: Local vs. Federal

The most important distinction for any traveler is jurisdiction.

• Local Law: Under the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act, adults 21+ can legally possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower for personal use.²
• Federal Law: Airports, seaports, and the airspace between islands are governed by Federal Law. Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, marijuana remains a Schedule I illegal substance.³

2. TSA and CBP: Not Local Police

When you enter the Henry E. Rohlsen or Cyril E. King airports, you are entering a federal environment.

• TSA (Security): While TSA’s primary mission is safety (weapons/explosives), they are federal employees.⁴ If they discover cannabis during a routine bag check, they are required to notify law enforcement.⁵+1
• CBP (Customs): Customs and Border Protection officers use advanced X-ray technology to scan checked luggage.⁶ As seen in recent cases, they actively monitor for vacuum-sealed packages and “anomalies” consistent with narcotics smuggling.⁷+1

3. The “Inter-Island” Trap

One of the most common mistakes is assuming it is safe to carry cannabis between St. Thomas and St.⁸ Croix.

Warning: Because all travel between the islands involves federally regulated waterways or airspace, carrying even a small “legal” local amount can result in federal drug trafficking charges.

The Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR) explicitly advises against inter-island transport until a specific territorial permit system is finalized and approved by federal partners.⁹

4. Commercial vs. Private Travel

It is a myth that private boats or “puddle jumper” planes are exempt.

• Boats: Federally documented vessels are subject to Coast Guard inspections.
• Private Planes: Pilots risk losing their FAA licenses if illegal substances are found on board, regardless of local “Adult-Use” laws.

Quick Travel Checklist

The Bottom Line

To stay safe and avoid the $75,000 bails and federal indictments seen in recent weeks: “Buy it where you land; leave it before you fly.”

🌴 2026 Visitor’s Guide to Cannabis in the USVI (FAQ)

1. Is recreational marijuana legal for tourists in the USVI?

Yes. Under the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act, any adult 21 years or older (including visitors) may legally possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower for personal use.

2. Where can I buy cannabis as a visitor?

As of late 2025 and early 2026, licensed Adult-Use Dispensaries have begun opening across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.

• Note: You must present a valid government-issued ID (Passport or Driver’s License) proving you are 21+.
• Cash is King: Because cannabis is still federally illegal, most dispensaries cannot process credit cards. Expect to use cash or on-site ATMs.

3. Can I use my Medical Marijuana Card from my home state?

Yes, but with an extra step. The USVI offers a “Medical Tourist” program.

• If you have a valid card from home, you can apply for a Temporary USVI Medical Card through the Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR) website.
• Costs: $50 for 5 days, $75 for 10 days, or $100 for 30 days.
• Benefit: Medical cardholders often have access to higher possession limits (up to 3 ounces) and lower tax rates than recreational users.

4. Can I smoke on the beach or in public?

No. Public consumption remains illegal. This includes:

• Beaches, parks, and sidewalks.
• National Park Land: A large portion of St. John is a U.S. National Park. Since this is federal land, possession or use there can lead to federal arrest.
• Lounges: Look for licensed “Cannabis Consumption Lounges” (opening throughout 2026), which are the only legal spaces to consume outside of a private residence.

5. Can I bring my own supply from home?

Absolutely not. This is the most common reason for arrests at the airport.

• Federal Jurisdiction: The moment you enter an airport or board a plane, you are under federal law.
• TSA & CBP: Even if you are flying from a legal state (like California or New York), bringing cannabis into the USVI is considered international/interstate trafficking.

6. What about CBD products?

Hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are federally legal and generally safe to travel with. However, ensure they are in their original packaging with a scannable QR code leading to a “Certificate of Analysis” (COA) to avoid confusion during security screenings.

7. Can I take leftovers home with me?

No. Do not attempt to take any remaining cannabis through the airport when leaving the USVI.

• The “Amnesty” Rule: Many travelers use “Amnesty Boxes” (if provided at the airport) or simply dispose of their product safely before arriving at the terminal.
• Dogs: K-9 units at Cyril E. King and Henry E. Rohlsen airports are trained to detect narcotics. Don’t risk a federal record for a $40 bag of flower.

Top Tip for 2026:

“Buy it here, enjoy it here, leave it here.”

📍 USVI Traveler’s Quick Reference (2026)

🚔 LAW ENFORCEMENT (Non-Emergency)

• St. Thomas / St. John: (340) 774-2211
• St. Croix: (340) 778-2211
• Cell Phone Emergency:
  • STT/STJ: (340) 776-9110
  • STX: (340) 772-9111
• General Emergency: Dial 911

🌿 CANNABIS REGULATION (OCR)

• Website: ocr.vi.gov
• General Inquiry: (340) 714-9755
• Email: info.ocr@ocr.vi.gov
• Support: nlssupport-usvi-ocr@tylertech.com

⚖️ THE “GOLDEN RULES”

1. Possession Limit: 2 oz flower / 14g concentrate (Ages 21+).
2. Public Use: STRICTLY PROHIBITED (Beaches, Parks, Streets).
3. Federal Land: Possession is a federal crime in National Parks (e.g., much of St. John).
4. Travel: NEVER take cannabis to the airport or on a ferry. Inter-island transport is a federal felony.