Consultancy for a National Cannabis Policy Framework Development: Grenada’s Cannabis Industry.
The Terms of Reference and Guidelines for the Submission of Expressions of Interest for this consultancy are provided below.
General Information
Credit No.:
Assignment Title:
Reference No.
Intervention: Policy framework design and assessment for legal cannabis reform and industry.
Work Description: Consultant for the policy framework development to inform policy and cannabis industry establishment.
Deadline for submission: Wednesday, 3 July 2024.
Background/Project Description
The Government of Grenada (GoG) is committed to developing a comprehensive and evidence-based policy framework to guide the responsible development of a cannabis industry in Grenada, balancing economic and social development opportunities with public health and safety considerations.
In 2014, the Heads of Government of Caricom Member States mandated the establishment of a Commission to interrogate the issue of reform to the legal regimes regulating cannabis/marijuana in the Caricom countries.
In 2018, The Caricom Regional Commission on Marijuana produced a report called Waiting to Exhale — Safeguarding Our Future Through Responsible Socio-Legal Policy on Marijuana. The report provides recommendations on the legal and administrative conditions that should apply if there is a reclassification.
Currently, cannabis is classified as a controlled narcotic drug in Grenada’s Chapter 84A Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Act • Act • Subsidiary Legislation • Act No. 7 of 1992, Amended by SRO 16 of 2011. However, the Government, which assumed office on 24 June 2022, has taken the policy decision to:
- Legalise cannabis and create a legal and regulatory framework for its production and sale
- Develop the cannabis industry for medicinal benefits
- Maximise the potential of hemp and its by-products for export; and
- Promote training and education of farmers interested in the agro-processing of cannabis
To facilitate the implementation of the policy stance, the Government of Grenada established the Grenada Cannabis Working Committee and a Cannabis Secretariat.
Objectives:
The GoG seeks a qualified consultant or consortium to develop a comprehensive cannabis policy framework for Grenada. This framework should address the following objectives:
Data Collection and Analysis:
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review of current cannabis policy frameworks and regulations in other jurisdictions
- Analyse existing data on cannabis use, statistics, regulations, and industry practices in Grenada
- Identify best practices for cannabis policy development, considering economic, social, legal, and public health aspects
- Propose the creation of a robust governance structure for the cannabis industry, alongside the establishment of essential offices to handle licensing, compliance, and research activities
Policy Framework Development:
Define the scope of the policy framework, including key regulatory areas:
- Licencing (production, processing, distribution, retail)
- Taxation models for different industry segments
- Government revenue generation
- Retail regulations and product safety standards
- Develop clear and concise policy language for the framework
- Outline the legal framework for cannabis control and potential licencing schemes.
- Conduct a gap analysis of existing legislation and regulations to ensure alignment with the policy framework
- Conduct economic and social impact assessments of potential policy options
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Identify key stakeholders representing diverse sectors (health, legal, law enforcement, business, culture, social, religious, Rastafari community)
- Conduct meetings and workshops with identified stakeholders to gather feedback on the proposed policy framework
- Analyse stakeholder feedback, naming common themes (for example, allowed amount of cannabis products for personal carry, age limits, the protection of youth, penalties, etc.) and concerns
- Develop a summary report of initial stakeholder feedback
- Integrate stakeholder feedback into the final policy framework
Policy Recommendations and Implementation:
- Develop a detailed implementation plan for the policy framework, with timelines and responsible parties for each phase
- Provide recommendations for public education and awareness campaigns related to the new policy framework
- Develop a communication strategy to disseminate the final policy framework to stakeholders and the public
- Outline a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of the implemented policy
Policy Drafting and Refinement:
- Draft the national cannabis policy framework based on the research, analysis, and stakeholder feedback
- Work collaboratively with the GoG to refine the drafted policy framework
- Ensure the final policy framework adheres to international best practices and aligns with Grenada’s national priorities
Duration of work: July through 31 August 2024
Deliverables
The consultant will deliver the following:
- Inception Report outlining research scope, methodology, and work plan
- Interim Report summarising data collection and analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement Report
- Draft Cannabis Policy Framework
- Final Cannabis Policy Framework with recommendations, implementation plan, communication strategy, and monitoring and evaluation framework
- Technical presentations on key findings and recommendations
Timeline and expectations:
The consultancy is expected to be completed within 1 month. A detailed work plan with deadlines for deliverables will be developed with the selected consultant.
Scope of the work: To develop a comprehensive cannabis policy framework for Grenada, including data analysis, stakeholder engagement, policy drafting, and implementation planning.
Proposed methodology
The consultant will employ a multi-phased approach, encompassing:
- Data collection and analysis: Literature review, existing data on cannabis use, regulations, and industry best practices
- Stakeholder engagement: Lead the consultation process through 5-6 focused meetings with leaders in diverse sectors (health, legal, law enforcement, business, religious, social, education, etc.)
- Policy framework development:
- Define scope, including licencing, production, distribution, retail, taxation, and government revenue generation
- Craft clear and concise policy language
- Outline the legal framework and potential licencing schemes
- Conduct economic and social impact assessments
- Develop a framework for a sustainable cannabis industry incorporating best practices to maximise national profit (beyond general revenue) while mitigating potential criminal, legal, social (social equity), economic, cultural, food and beverage, industrial, science and technology, research and development, environmental sustainability, education and health/medicine and wellness sectors
- Implementation and administrative plan: Craft a detailed implementation plan with timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and marketing strategies considering the proposed policy framework and its impact. Name the recommended policy model for Grenada, including the necessary public education campaign, framework dissemination and proposed responsible and administrative bodies
- Monitoring and evaluation framework: Assess the policy’s effectiveness
- Final Report & Dissemination: Prepare a final report presenting all research findings, comparisons between policy models, realistic and sustainable policy options, recommendations for administrative structures, implementation plans, and communication strategies for the chosen model(s), and a plan for disseminating the report to stakeholders and the public
This approach ensures a comprehensive and evidence-based policy framework for a robust and sustainable cannabis industry in Grenada.
Reporting relationships: The consultant will report directly to the Cannabis Secretariat, providing all deliverables and updates. The Cannabis Secretariat will then present the consultant’s work, including reports and recommendations, to the Working Committee Chair for further discussion and consideration.
Consultant Qualifications:
The GoG seeks a qualified consultant or consortium with demonstrated experience in the following areas:
- Cannabis policy development and regulatory frameworks
- Economic and social impact assessments
- Stakeholder engagement and consultation
- Policy drafting and legal analysis
- Public health and safety considerations related to cannabis
The consultant team should possess a strong understanding of international best practices in cannabis policy and a proven track record of successful project delivery.
Selection Process:
The GoG will shortlist and evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated experience and expertise of the consultant team
- Quality of the proposed methodology and work plan
- Understanding of the Grenadian context
- Value for money
Property Rights: Any intellectual property created as a direct result of this contract shall be the exclusive property of the Cannabis Secretariat, including copyright, patents, and registered trademarks.
Guidelines for Submission of Expressions
Consultancy for the Development of a National Cannabis Policy Framework for Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, informing policy, national models, and regulatory controls for establishing and governing a Cannabis Industry.
Individual Consultants wishing to signify their interest in undertaking the prescribed services are to send an Expression of Interest (EOI) to include:
- Information on the Consultant’s qualifications and technical competence relevant to the assignment, experience in undertaking similar assignments, including Curriculum Vitae of the Individual Consultant proposed for the assignment; and
- A Concept Note on the planned framework for undertaking the assignment and a breakdown of the number of days needed for each task
Submission of Proposals:
Consultants shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission of their Expressions of Interest.
The Cannabis Secretariat is not bound to accept any Expression of Interest and reserves the right to annul the selection process at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the Consultants.
Interested consultants are invited to submit an electronic copy of their Expressions of Interest and proposal that outlines their qualifications, methodology, work plan, and cost estimate for completing the project. Expressions of Interest and proposals should be submitted electronically submitted by Wednesday, 3 July 2024, and addressed to the 2 following parties:
- Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture, Third Floor
Ministerial Complex
Sir Eric Matthew Gairy Botanical Gardens
St George
Grenada
Email: [email protected] - The Cannabis Secretariat
Ministry of Agriculture, Third Floor
Ministerial Complex
Sir Eric Matthew Gairy Botanical Gardens
St George
Grenada
Email: [email protected]
For more information, please contact:
The Chief Executive Officer
Cannabis Secretariat
Ministry of Agriculture, Third Floor
Ministerial Complex
Sir Eric Matthew Gairy Botanical Gardens
St George
Grenada
Email: [email protected]
Cannabis Secretariat