Building a Cannabis Licensing Agency With Technology

June 24, 2025 by Alex Valvassori

In a recent episode of the Tyler Tech Podcast, Joanne Moorehead, executive director of the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Cannabis Regulation, discussed the complexities of establishing a government entity — and the regulatory systems needed to support it — from the ground up.

Moorehead shared her experience leading a nascent agency, describing the logistical and operational challenges encountered along the way. She emphasized the role of digital infrastructure in facilitating medical cannabis patient registration, optimizing internal workflows, and making it easier for residents to use the system.

Her experience offers public sector professionals insight into how clear communication, strategic planning, and pragmatic use of technology can support the deployment of new regulatory programs, even amid resource constraints and changing laws and regulations.

Constructing a New Regulatory Entity

Public perception often holds that government agencies are well-resourced institutions with established staff and infrastructure. However, the initial reality for Moorehead was markedly different. Upon her appointment, she served as the agency’s sole employee. The office lacked basic resources, including furniture and phone service.

Beyond the office’s material limitations, the regulatory environment presented significant challenges. Cannabis legalization in the U.S. Virgin Islands was recent, with no internal precedent for governance. Moorehead drew upon the statutory frameworks and policy precedents of other jurisdictions while navigating an evolving legal landscape. Moreover, public sentiment regarding cannabis legalization remained cautious, prompting a proactive and transparent approach to community engagement and information dissemination.

Leveraging Technology to Support Scalable Service Delivery

The adoption of modern digital tools has been essential to the agency’s operations. With limited staffing, technology provides a means to efficiently manage administrative functions and the rapidly growing volume of patient registrations. Moorehead’s team implemented Tyler’s Cannabis Licensing Software, which she described as intuitive, secure, and well-supported from deployment through ongoing updates.

Features like digital ID cards and an online portal have greatly reduced paperwork. The portal now serves as the primary interface for resident services, allowing staff to focus on complex inquiries and high-need cases.

Enhancing Public Trust Through Communication and Engagement

One ongoing concern in the Virgin Islands’ cannabis sector involves the regulation of hemp products containing psychoactive compounds. Moorehead advocates for standardized labeling to inform and protect consumers. She also noted the ongoing policy discussion regarding whether the existing hemp oversight division should be integrated into her agency, a decision that remains under consideration as the broader regulatory framework continues to evolve.

Equally critical is community input. Moorehead highlighted the value of public meetings and stakeholder dialogues in refining services and developing responsive policy. Gathering input from residents — particularly prospective licensees — enables the agency to tailor its regulatory approach to local needs. She encourages entrepreneurs to organize formally, establishing representative bodies to facilitate structured interaction with regulatory authorities.

Integrating Technology and Public Engagement

The establishment of a new government agency frequently mirrors the experience of a startup enterprise: limited resources, undefined processes, and operational uncertainty. In such contexts, partnerships with trusted technology providers and peer agencies become essential.

Modern systems provide the adaptability needed to respond to shifting resident expectations and the rapid development of emerging industries such as cannabis. At the same time, sustained public engagement helps shape policy, improves program delivery, and strengthens institutional credibility.

At Tyler, we are committed to equipping public sector leaders with the tools and support needed to launch and evolve programs that meet the changing needs of their communities. Together, we can help build connected, responsive, and future-ready government.

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