The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a request for government support and official endorsement of the 3rd Annual Antigua & Barbuda Cannabis (ABC) Festival 2026, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to the responsible development of the country’s medicinal cannabis industry.
Cabinet’s approval includes support for the execution of the four-day festival, which is scheduled to take place from 17 to 20 April 2026 in St. John’s and other designated locations across the country.
The ABC Festival 2026 is being positioned as a strategic national initiative focused on education, economic development, cultural expression, and international positioning. Held under the theme “Connect. Celebrate. Rejuvenate.” the event will integrate Antiguan and Barbudan heritage with internationally benchmarked programming, aimed at generating economic impact and strengthening the country’s reputation as a progressive and niche destination within the global medicinal cannabis space.
Planned activities for the Festival include a high-level Cannabis Educational Conference and Trade Show at the American University of Antigua, bringing together regional and international experts, researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs. The programme will also feature a Sacred Gathering in Liberta, St. Paul’s, highlighting the spiritual and traditional dimensions of cannabis use, as well as a culminating island experience and sunset cruise focused on wellness, networking, and destination promotion.
Cabinet noted that the Festival provides a structured and responsible platform to educate the public on the health, wellness, and medicinal benefits of cannabis, while addressing stigma through science-based messaging and informed dialogue. The event is also expected to promote regulatory best practices and industry standards, support public awareness around responsible use, and contribute to efforts to address substance misuse.
In addition, Cabinet recognized the Festival’s potential to stimulate economic activity, attract investment, and elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s profile as a leader in the regional medicinal cannabis sector.
The Government has described the initiative as a strategic investment in an emerging industry with strong potential for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic diversification. Cabinet’s endorsement formally establishes the ABC Festival 2026 as a national initiative aligned with Antigua and Barbuda’s broader sustainable development objectives and its vision for a modern, well-regulated medicinal cannabis industry.
