Cannabis Reform Debate In House Of Assembly
Parliamentarians debated the Cannabis Reform Collaborative report on Friday [May 30] in the House of Assembly, with many MPs speaking in favour of changing the cannabis laws, many citing the adverse effects that being stoplisted has on young Bermudians.
The debate started out with Premier and Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley saying, “I think is important to reiterate that the Government’s public undertaking has related to decriminalization and any potential wider use of cannabis.
“Let me indicate early in this debate that at this time, the Government is not prepared to consider personal cultivation, licenses for commercial cultivation and sale or blanket legalization of cannabis. Insofar as this report recommends those things, they do not represent this Government’s current intentions.”
PLP MP Zane DeSilva, who admitted smoking cannabis in his younger years, also spoke about searching cruise ships.
“Cruise ship passengers are known to smoke weed,” said Mr. DeSilva. “If they want to smoke weed on the ship, let them, don’t go up on the ship looking for them. Now they bring their weed off the ship and they get caught, well take your licks.”
OBA MP Leah Scott said, “My son started smoking marijuana at the age of 14. He started selling it at the age of 17. He was in his room and he had a bag of marijuana and a bag of – not a bag, but a twist – of cocaine.
“And he said, “what am I going to do today? Am I going to smoke marijuana or am I going to smoke crack?” He chose the crack. He now sits in jail for 18 years because of his decision.
“Do I think marijuana is a gateway drug? I’m not sure. I think it lead to a bad choice for my son; I don’t know what it does for other people.
“I think that decriminalization could be a good thing, but I think that it has to be done in stages. I think that we have to really look at it. I think that we have to look at the social impact that marijuana has had on our community. And I think that medicinally, it can have some benefits.”
Excerpt of OBA MP Leah Scott speaking in the House on Friday
PLP MP Michael Weeks said as a young man he “dabbled in the smoking of marijuana,” and said he was lucky, while he has friends who were not so lucky and were caught and prosecuted.
OBA MP Glen Smith, who also admitted trying cannabis when he was young, said prohibition hasn’t worked for centuries whether it be alcohol, tobacco or cannabis.
Minister Shawn Crockwell said that if there was a referendum on legalizing marijuana it would have the largest turnout of any election, by-election or referendum we have ever had.
“Talk about having a good voter registration drive,” said Minister Crockwell. “People would be going to register to vote like you have never seen before. And we do not even have to guess how that referendum will turn out.”
Independent MP Terry Lister said, “Maybe 3,000 people, and I quote that number out of the air, on the stop list – how many of those on that stop list are there because they were caught importing drugs into Bermuda? How many are on that stop list because they were caught distributing drugs around Bermuda?
“And so you see when you start to put people into categories, you may find that the actual number of people who are going to be affected by a change here could be very small. And, in fact, that would be encouraging rather than discouraging.
“What we want to be able to do is to move into a decriminalization area that will result in young people who really do have potential – and I think all do because some are going to be academics, some are going to be trades, some are going to be technicians – they all need to go away to get some form of training, they all need the chance to grow up outside this little fish hole called Bermuda.”
Excerpt of IND MP Terry Lister speaking in the House on Friday
OBA MP Jeff Sousa said, “Personally, I am very supportive of decriminalizing small amounts of cannabis for personal use. I want to make that very clear.
“We’ve all heard in the past, President Bill Jefferson Clinton state that he had smoked cannabis but he hadn’t inhaled; I want to say quite clearly, I did inhale.”
Opposition Leader Marc Bean said that he is a proponent of legalization with a “light touch” of regulation. He said increased revenue from taxation would be a benefit, and also added that he has seen the benefits of medicinal use of cannabis first hand with both his father and daughter.
Mr. Bean said, “When my daughter was three years old, because of the circumstances I didn’t have much opportunity to spend time with her up until she reached about two-and-a-half, three, but I always was told she suffers from asthma. Severely.
“The first opportunity I had my daughter — who is now going 20 years old — the first opportunity I had her in my care and custody, I went and made her a big cup of ganja tea. At two-and-a-half….three years old.
“Now some of you might be saying that’s irresponsible as a parent, but you can go ask her mother and her family on her mother’s side today. Since that day she has never, ever suffered from asthma. Since that one day, that one cup of cannabis tea. So you can’t tell me the medicinal use of it.”
Excerpt of Mr Bean speaking in the House on Friday
PLP MP Glenn Blakeney said, “Everyone seems to be walking and treading very, very lightly and trying to be politically correct and we’ve had some admissions with regard to past involvement or whatever, whatever.
“But you know what the real question is? What truly is the political will? What is the political will of the country? What is the political will of the key stakeholders, the people that we serve?
Mr Blakeney added that he doesn’t think we should have any tolerance on the hard drugs.
Premier Dunkley’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, the Motion before this Honourable House invites the Honourable Members to take note of the Report of the Cannabis Reform Collaborative. On its face, this is a simple Motion in support of another Report.
However, Mr. Speaker, the debate in this Honourable House today is one that joins Bermuda with many other countries who have wrestled with the issue of cannabis reform. Even considering this issue has the ability to provoke strong feelings. Honourable Members will be affected and influenced by core values grounded in religious faith, cultural traditions, personal and professional experiences as well as the societal discomfort that accompanies any potential for change.
Mr. Speaker, none of these factors should cause Honourable Members to shy away from a full expression of their views because it is precisely for these reasons that each of us was elected to this Honourable House. Our constituents expect for us, in representing them, to bring to bear all of our experience and thoughtful consideration to debate and to consult with them as part of our public service.
Mr. Speaker, today’s debate is an opportunity to reflect on the research provided and the recommendations made. It is also an opportunity for the people of Bermuda to understand exactly where their representatives stand on some of the thorny issues that surround the reform of our cannabis laws.
The Government’s Promise
Mr. Speaker, in the November 2013 Speech from the Throne, the Government signaled the intention to provide some leadership in the public debate on cannabis. The Government promised:
“ to produce ( in this Session) a public consultation paper on the decriminalization of marijuana and an examination of its wider uses.”
As I introduce this Motion for debate, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that the Government has delivered on that promise. The Report that has been tabled in this Honourable House is a document forged through the hard work of young men and women in this community who engaged the public through various media and whose research stands as a body of work that serves to further the debate on the issue of cannabis law reform.
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my statement to this Honourable House two weeks ago, shortly after the announcement in the Throne Speech, Mr. Stratton Hatfield and Mr. Khomeini Talib-Din approached me individually to express their interest in facilitating and participating in the promised public consultation. I put the two men together and advised them to recruit additional members, with like interest, to form the Cannabis Reform Collaborative (the “CRC”). The group began meeting on 5th December and had as its mandate to produce an advisory document on cannabis policy reform that identifies the benefits and consequences of reclassifying, legalizing, or decriminalizing Cannabis; and to investigate its medicinal uses.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to the Chair Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Talib-Din, the CRC comprised Lamar Caines, Jules Van Belen, Cordell Reily, Dr. Ernest Peets, Robyn Swan, Kyle Bridgewater, Alex Jones, Harry Masters and Joleesa Simons. Together, the CRC has experience and varying levels of expertise in activism, policy, law, addictions treatment and drug education. The CRC worked diligently to engage the public in discussions about Bermuda’s current cannabis policies and to canvass the public’s views on reform through town hall style meetings, focus groups and electronic surveys.
Mr. Speaker, while the public debate over the last several months has been wide-ranging, I think is important to reiterate that the Government’s public undertaking has related to decriminalization and any potential wider use of cannabis. Let me indicate early in this debate that at this time, the Government is not prepared to consider personal cultivation, licenses for commercial cultivation and sale or blanket legalization of cannabis. Insofar as this report recommends those things, they do not represent this Government’s current intentions.
The Research
To say that the scientific research in the area of cannabis use is divergent would be an understatement. A cursory search of the internet will reveal praise and vitriol for cannabis use from across the scientific spectrum. Mr. Speaker, this debate will not resolve the scientific questions that surround the use of cannabis but the divergence of views among respected medical professionals should encourage caution in our approach to any change to our laws and policies.
Mr. Speaker, I do not propose to rehearse the competing findings of the detailed research that has been done in this field. However, I will indicate that in my view, unregulated use of cannabis defies the nature of the substance and ignores the effects it has had on communities around the world and in Bermuda also. It is wrong to yield to a more permissive attitude socially without due regard to the social, economic and health consequences that hold equal weight in those studies conducted.
Mr. Speaker, inherent in the most liberal approach to cannabis reform is the suggestion that any adverse effects of lessening regulation be regarded as a public health issue. This position admits that there are risks and it is with these risks in mind that Governments must approach legislative change cautiously and with a comprehensive management plan in place.
Mr. Speaker, as the Report says in recommendation 5, “A phased approach to cannabis reform offers the benefits of assessing, establishing and implementing long term plans that focus on more efficient prevention initiatives, effective treatment programmes that are supported by the Ministry of Health and sensible society- guided regulations that our community understands.”
This caution is especially important when considering young people. Mr. Speaker, a US Department of Justice publication of January 2014 determined that marijuana use among youth is rising as perception of risk decreases. That publication stated, in part, “ An adolescent’s perception of risks associated with substance abuse is an important determinant of whether he or she engages in substance abuse. when anti-drug attitudes soften there is a corresponding increase in drug use in the coming years.”
Mr. Speaker, later in this debate I will turn to the Government’s views on the issue of cannabis for medical use, however, let me be clear: it is not the Government’s role to take sides in the medical or scientific debate. Any move to permit greater access to cannabis for medical purposes will, by definition, be regulated like any other medically prescribed drug. Doctors will do what they have done for centuries: prescribe what they consider is best for their patient. The Government’s role as regulator is to ensure quality control, proper storage and dispensing protocols.
The Recommendations
Mr. Speaker, the Committee’s recommendations are spread throughout the Report; however the Executive Summary found at pages 5 through 9 provides a useful glance at the overall findings of the Committee. The main recommendations are as follows:
- 1. The age of consent for access and consumption of cannabis and alcohol should both be 21
- 2. Companies providing group health insurance must offer insurance coverage to treat alcoholism and drug addiction
- 3. Personal possession and personal cultivation should be decriminalized immediately
- 4. Immediate action should be taken to enable access to medical cannabis with a prescription to individuals by way of a regulation under the existing legislation pending the revision of specific policies and alternate legislation
- 5. Increase resources for prevention and educational initiatives.
Mr. Speaker, I intend to focus on these five (5) recommendations as they capture the essence of the Committee’s views on cannabis reform.
1. Raising the age of consent to 21
Mr. Speaker, it is important for me to clearly state that the link between alcohol use and cannabis use and therefore an age of consent being imposed for both is not a line of thinking this Government supports.
There is no plan to sanction or permit the legal use of cannabis by anyone except in circumstances to which I will turn in due course. Therefore, the suggestion that an age of consent be even considered is a non-starter.
Honourable Members will recall my previous statements surrounding all that is done in the community to reduce the harm of alcohol abuse. Mr. Speaker, we have a fairly well developed social and societal set of values that encourages and advocates around responsible use of alcohol. To simply add cannabis use into that framework is not best practice and as such this recommendation is not supported.
2. Companies providing group health insurance must offer insurance coverage to treat alcoholism and drug addiction
Mr. Speaker, we must be in the business of lifting people up. Substance abuse has ruined many lives and careers. Sometimes the level of intervention required is expensive and intense. In order to save our people and to ensure that as many Bermudians who are willing and able to work can do so and contribute to this economy, we cannot consign those with substance abuse problems to the ranks of the unemployed or unemployable without some effort.
A balance must be struck that rewards employers for demanding drug-free workplaces and who go the extra mile to assist those of their employees who fall into the destructive cycle of substance abuse. That balance must include the ability of employers and employees to rely on insurance coverage for such interventions when reasonably required. Mr. Speaker, this is one of those items which if not handled correctly can add to the cost of doing business in Bermuda and I wish to say from the outset that this Government does not propose anything that will add to the burden of local businesses who continue to struggle to keep citizens employed.
I believe that there is room for discussion in this area and that the Government can lead in devising a means by which to include reasonable substance abuse treatment as part of group insurance plans in this country.
3. Personal possession and personal cultivation should be decriminalized immediately
Mr. Speaker, one of the stated aims of the examination of Bermuda’s cannabis laws is to ameliorate the consequences of instances where, young people in particular, are caught with small amounts of cannabis and then have their travel, education and employment prospects adversely affected, sometimes for life.
The decriminalization of possession of small amounts of cannabis is one means that has been suggested to deal with this issue. However, a closer examination of the laws of both Bermuda and our nearest trading partner, the United States is required to ensure that we achieve the intended aim.
Mr. Speaker, for several years the Department of Public Prosecutions has provided guidance to the Bermuda Police Service in circumstances where a formal caution is given where an individual is found to be in possession of cannabis for personal use. The caution policy is canvassed at pages 43 – 47 of the Report. At page 44, the Report quotes the Commissioner of Police:
“There have been 194 cautions for drug possession to local persons and 1 for importation (cruise ship or airport related to an overseas visitor) since December 21st 2010. The original caution authority given to the police by the DPP in 2010 was rescinded in 2012. Cautions now require prior approval from the DPP before they are administered.”
In considering whether a caution should be administered, the DPP considers several criteria including the amount of cannabis, the antecedents of the offender, his/her admission of culpability and any factors that might indicate that the drug was for supply and not personal use. The requirement to consider such criteria means that in some cases, possession of relatively small amounts of cannabis might still occasion an appearance in court and a possible conviction for a drug offence.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise this Honourable House that with the assistance of the learned Attorney General we are in discussions with the DPP to revert to the 2010 position and allow cautions to be given by the Police. The power of the DPP to institute charges remains in his discretion, but allowing the Police to handle cautions in this way will be far more efficient in this area of criminal justice.
Mr. Speaker, it is therefore an essential element of this debate that we determine whether that criteria is abandoned in favour a blanket decriminalization approach based solely on the amount of drug possessed or if we use the “youthful indiscretion” test as the means by which to remove the criminality associated with a first offence possession of cannabis.
This is not an easy choice and in the coming weeks and months the Government will consider this policy point in detail before returning to this House with any legislative change.
What is critical in this discussion, Mr. Speaker, is the effect of whatever policy we devise on the travel of our citizens to the United States. I am grateful to the Consul General, Mr. Bob Settje, who met with the Committee and who has helpfully correctly stated the US position in this area.
Mr. Speaker, the Report omits a significant point with respect to US law. Whether decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana for personal use would or would not have “Stop List” consequences – and how – depends on what is meant by “decriminalization.” If “decriminalization” means de facto legalization, i.e., no consequences whatsoever for possession, then there would be no “conviction” under U.S. law, so one who merely possessed marijuana would not be inadmissible for having a drug-related conviction. (He/she could still be found inadmissible as a trafficker or as an abuser or dependent, if the surrounding circumstances indicated that was the case.) However, if “decriminalization” carries a penalty of any kind – paying a fine, being on probation, going to a drug treatment program, performing community service, etc. – it would be treated as a “conviction,” and it would have “Stop List” consequences. Put simply, if “decriminalization” means something more (in terms of penalty) than “legalization,” there are possible consequences.
Therefore Mr. Speaker, we must proceed with care because simply decriminalizing possession of small amount of cannabis isn’t the only answer to the problems we are in fact trying to fix.
Mr. Speaker, this is probably the best time for me to address an issue that cuts to the heart of a portion of the Report. Honourable Members will have noted the Report’s argument regarding the disproportionate impact of cannabis related offences on the black community. These statistics are real and may provoke fierce debate themselves. However, Mr. Speaker, as many authors in the United States have indicated, “ …the case against legal cannabis starts with the position that legalization won’t end racism in the criminal justice system”. If the Report speaks to systemic injustice then wholesale systemic change is the only solution to the problems identified. Even if we eventually decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis, this will not fix the systemic risk of social, economic and criminal justice issues complained about in the Report.
If a system is inherently biased against one group, then from an enforcement perspective, the answer is not to wantonly decriminalize otherwise illegal behaviour; the answer is to change the system.
4. Immediate action should be taken to enable access to medical cannabis with a prescription to individuals by way of a regulation under the existing legislation pending the revision of specific policies and alternate legislation
Mr. Speaker, I would refer Honourable Members to pages 96 – 110 of the Report which deals with Cannabis as a medicinal substance. As the Report indicates, a study of the medical positions on the use of cannabis could fill volumes and is the continuing subject of much scientific debate.
Mr. Speaker, recent studies have found that cannabis has brought relief to those suffering from cancer, glaucoma and other diseases that cause chronic pain. There are various means of using cannabis medically, including smoking, by means of a vaporizer, oils for topical application and ingesting. Smoking is the least preferred method of medical use as many studies have found that this method can harm the lungs. In the 2014 US Department of Justice I referred to earlier, Dr. David Murray, formerly Chief Scientist at the Office of National Drug Control noted that: “ People who smoke marijuana are subject to bacterial infections in the lungs…is this really what a physician who is treating someone with a compromised immune system wants to prescribe?” Even with medical use, cannabis must be managed carefully.
Mr. Speaker, a useful case study can be found at page 105 of the Report. Israel continues to classify cannabis as an illegal substance but has a robust medical cannabis system affording access to seriously ill patients. The Report sets it out as follows:
“Cannabis medical use has been permitted in Israel for cancer patients and those with pain-related illnesses…..Patients can smoke the drug, ingest it in liquid form, or apply it to the skin as a balm. The numbers of patients authorized to use cannabis in Israel in 2012 was over 10,000, a number that has swelled dramatically, up from serving just a few hundred patients in 2005. According to reports, Israel has a $40m medical cannabis industry…”
Mr. Speaker, the industry is not without its problems as the Report also indicates that some 15 tonnes of medical cannabis are stolen each year. This is a clear indication of the need to properly regulate all aspects of this permitted use.
Mr. Speaker, I do not think that it is for the Government to come between the needs of any patient and the responsible, professional advice of his or her physician. Where the potential for relief exists in the use of cannabis for medical purposes, the Government’s responsibility is to sensitively and prudently regulate that use in the best interests of healthcare generally and public safety in particular. Mr. Speaker, the public advocacy in this area has, to some degree, gotten ahead of the science.
Achieving the necessary balance in the area of medical cannabis means ensuring that all necessary, scientific protocols are in place and that whatever Regulations are developed reflect best practice generally and the added degree of caution required with a substance like cannabis. This will be done in close consultation with the Ministry of Health and Environment.
5. Increase resources for prevention and educational initiatives.
Mr. Speaker, the old saying is “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. That applies in this area of demand reduction which is canvassed at pages 66-86 of the Report.
The Committee’s recommendation for an increase in resources for prevention and educational initiatives must be viewed in the proper context. Honourable Members will know that this area of prevention and treatment is one of the thriving charitable sectors in this community. I say thriving because there are a number of organizations engaged directly and on the margins of prevention. So much so Mr. Speaker that the donor community can be forgiven for some confusion over just what our approach to prevention is.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will see a chart at page 75 of the report which purports to represent the Government’s budgetary allocation for prevention, treatment and enforcement. Without more, Mr. Speaker, this chart is misleading. Treatment simply costs more than prevention. A strict comparison of resource allocation without reference to this fact ignores the significant prevention work which is often cost neutral or relatively inexpensive when compared to treatment requirements. Similarly, enforcement and interdiction is labour intensive and that labour is often paid at a premium.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, the Report lays out the considerable efforts of several organizations in the area of prevention and their successes are well known in the community. Where we might provide some leadership in the management of resource allocation on the areas of treatment and prevention is to marshal the message to the donor community so that it is clearer to what area funds are most needed and for what purposes.
Conclusion
Mr. Speaker, this Report forms a useful backdrop for an important, topical debate in this Honourable House. The Report does not contain all of the answers but it does stimulate many useful questions.
The public discussion that arose as a result of the work of the Cannabis Reform Collaborative was insightful and I am grateful to those members of the public who made their views known.
As I commend this Motion to the Honourable House for debate, I wish to assure the people of Bermuda that this Government fully appreciates the gravity of any change in our approach to cannabis as a community. The reform of our cannabis laws and policies will be measured and done with the best interests of the country as a whole in mind.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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“The first opportunity I had my daughter — who is now going 20 years old — the first opportunity I had her in my care and custody, I went and made her a big cup of ganja tea. At two-and-a-half….three years old….
This guy is a NUTCASE!
Hey Dreamer in some countries and cultures Ganja tea is normal and is a common practice in family consumption, cultivating Hemp and making clothes, shoes and rope from its fiber has been a practice for thousands of years by the Chinese and other Asian inhabitants.
Don’t forget the number of infants and youth who have and still partake in COMMUNION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nutcase!
@Steve Bilko–yes, but that is NOT Bermuda’s culture, and ‘ganja’ was (and is) IllEGAL when he purchased it for his toddler….who he had just gotten custody of from one of his baby mamas—how trashy!
Did it cure the asthma? I get more upset when I hear of some of the botched up “legal” medical practice at king edward!
Was it Asthma?? Did he get daughter checked first or did he just jump in…re read his quotes. He jumped in.
The issue here is not whether one cup of the tea cured “asthma” (unlikely) but the fact it is an illegal substance under Bermuda Law. It is illegal. Try arguing the medical benefit in front of the Senior Magistrate and you know the result beforehand. Many have tried and all failed. I don’t dispute that there is an persuasive argument to stop the criminalization of people found with small quantities of cannabis, and also allow medical use. That is the way several Islands in the Caribbean are going (plus expunging the records of past convictions for small amounts). However there will still be rules and like liquor it is likely to have a minimum age. Marc Bean has admitted to giving a minor, no matter how compelling and without medical experience, an illegal substance. Case closed. He has also admitted he uses it “for medical reasons”. He is Leader of the Opposition, collectively responsible for passing laws and in a position of responsibility. There needs to be consequences.
The use of Medical Marijuanna is important. It is less harmful than Pharmaceutical drugs. Thanks Mr. Bean for your frankness and more so ability to be honest. Seldom do MPs have such HONESTY as you. If only more MPs were like you, the world would be a better place. It is so refreshing.
Mr. Alan Gordon put is best in his comment as well when he said that “There is not one children’s medicine (over the counter or prescription) which is safer than cannabis. Prior to it being made illegal around 1937, most children’s medicines had cannabis in them.” He challenged folks to find one Pharmaceutical drug that is less harmful than Ganja. Great challenge Mr. Gordon.
It looks like the OBA are seeking to create a Scandal out of Nothing. They still have “JETGATE 4″ hanging over their heads, so they seeking to create some other scandal to remove folks minds off it. But this is far from it, they have picked the wrong issue. lol.
As you have not done anything illegal or broken any laws. It was 17 years ago when during that time the use of home and natural herbals was common place. Seldom did family use much pharmaceutical drugs as we rely upon so heavily today. The sad thing is these drugs are more dangerous on our organ and health at times. The side effects far out weight the use of Marijuana in its various forms.
Well said Mr. Bean continue to stand strong and push on. Let the “Nay Sayers” walk in the mud seeking for something that is not there. Many love you for your strong sense of “truthfulness” and more so “HONESTNESS”.
These OBA folks need to stop, as it is clear that they lack knowledge on this subject matter, and need to get learnt up. Reading does help one become more knowledgeable as well as talking with folks that have a strong background on this subject matter.
Medical Marijuana is key for the future. As the big Pharmaceutical companies continue to make huge profits off the poor man. We must seek alternative forms of medication.
Bean has got to go, what he did to an infant in his care at the first opportunity was disgusting.
He is lucky he raised it in the House or he would be in Jail.
BEAN OUT!!!!!!
Do you feel the same about Codeine and Morphine ?
Yes. If an idiot were to give morphine to a two year old, unsupervised by a doctor, he should be in jail too.
Do you actually have a point?
@ Ringmaster, funny how you use the word LAW as a cushion(which is applicable), but remember Slavery, Apartheid and other inhumane atrocities were legal but that did not make it right, as a matter of fact Ganja was legal when ALCHAHOL was illegal, until the Federal Government and the social elite knew that they could profit of Prohibition.
I have no disagreement with you on these issues but the fact is if something is illegal it is illegal until the law is changed. Until it is changed it is illegal. Simple. Here the issue is that the Leader of the Opposition has stated he gave an illegal substance to a minor and cured her. He may be correct, but that does not override the illegality of what he did. He then goes on to say he uses medical marijuana. Under Bermuda Law there is no such thing. Unless and until the law is changed what he is doing is illegal.
@Steve B. I can not believe that you are defending Mr. Bean on this?
First of all there was no internet, or Google 17 years ago where he could do some basic research on the effects of this drug on his infant daughter. Second of all he is not Dr. Bean is he? He was playing Russian roulette with his daughters life and health? In his own words he said the first time he had his daughter he gave her this ganja tea. THE FIRST TIME. How does he know it was asthma, how does he know it cured her? His actions were selfish and ignorant. While we know much more about marijuana today than we did 17 years ago, there still is no concrete evidence that marijuana CURES ANYTHING! There IS evidence that there are detrimental effects from using the drug as a child when their bodies and brains are developing just like alcohol.
I can’t believe he would make such a statement and after having the time (17 years) to think about it he would still believe it was a good idea and brag about it. Any you want me to trust this guy to lead this country and have any type of say in my young child’s life!!! No thank you. I pray that the PLP replaces him with someone a bit more mature. I would hope that if the PLP were to get re-elected he is not going to be the one at the wheel.
Article does not say he did it here on the island…and to refer to someone as “one of his baby mama’s” speaks volumes as to YOUR level of maturity. …do people really still use that phrase???? (Outside of yourself of course)
Reaching, clutching at straws there !
Lucky 7′s level of maturity has little to do with this. the level of maturity of Bean’s infant and his actions are what is relevant.
To all who are hopping on the band wagon clearly are ignorant to the fact, and it is very much a fact that the psycho active component in cannabis (THC) is not water soluble and does not activate at the temperatures of boiling water.
So for all you who depend on science for your answers. He did not give his 3 year old drugs. It is really that simple!
@ Mr. Jiff–then why does he believe that the cup of Ganja “cured” his daughters asthma….if you’re saying that’s impossible? So you’re saying that he’s really stupid and completely nuts? —then we agree…
Do you know what Ganja Tea Is? Also have you ever try it before? So for Minister Bean to talk about how it healed his daughter. What makes you feel that he is a NutCase. Some people in reality will rather deal with Natural Herbs, Drugs what ever you wish to classify it as because Prescription drugs are worse and all it does is clog the arteries and makes the physician rich by constantly coming back for more refills.
So in reality which will you prefer a prescription drug that does not cure the problem and creates more problems.
Or a natural herb tea which is grown naturally that will cure and heal the problem?
So if anyone is a NUTCASE here is the people who feel that Ganja is a Drug.
Ganja is the healing of the Nation.
TRY IT YOU MAY LIKE IT AND UNDERSTAND THE HEALING AND THE MEDITATION OF
THE NATURAL SUBSTANCE>
Other then Herion where you need a fix every day to quit.
GIVE ME LIKKLE ONE DRAW!!!!!!!!
Peace
I’ve thought he was a nutcase for some time, however he just added to it by admitting to thinking that a single cup of anything cured his daughter of her asthma.
Top Ten Cannabis Studies of 2013
December 23, 2013
2013 has been an incredible year for cannabis-related science, with dozens of peer-reviewed studies being released examining the benefits of cannabis ranging from weight-loss, to cancer-killing capabilities. Here we breakdown the ten most important (and groundbreaking) studies released this year.
1. THC May Treat Inflammatory Diseases and Cancer By Altering Genes
A government funded study published by the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that THC may actually alter certain genes in our body, which can result in a positive effect on a number of conditions, especially cancers and inflammatory diseases. This is the first study of its kind to find such a direct link between cannabinoids, and the alteration of genes.
2. Cannabis Combats Brain Degeneration and Increases Stamina
A study conducted at the Institute of Molecular Psychiatry at the University of Bonn in Germany found that cannabis triggers the release of antioxidants, which acts as a cleansing mechanism, resulting in the removal of damaged cells and improving the efficiency of mitochondria, the energy source that powers cells, potentially increasing stamina.
“These discoveries shed new insight on how natural marijuana cannabinoids hold the capacity to literally kill the brain inflammation responsible for causing cognitive decline, neural failure, and brain degeneration”, says Gery Wenk, a professor of neuroscience, immunology and medical genetics at Ohio State University.
3. Cannabis Can Stop Seizures
A study published by the British Journal of Pharmacology found that cannabis can stop seizures due to its “significant anticonvulsant effects”.
4. THC Provides Protection from Heart Attacks
Research published this year in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology found that even minuscule amounts of THC can provide protection from heart attacks, as well as reduce the potential cardiovascular damage associated with suffering one.
For the study researchers administered extremely small amounts of THC; 0.002 mg/kg, which is up to 10,000 times less potent than the average joint. Despite how small the dose was, researchers found it to be effective at protecting against heart attacks when administered 2 to 48 hours before an attack, and found it to help relieve the symptoms when administered afterward.
“[THC] is a safe and effective treatment that reduces myocardial ischemic (heart attack) damage”, states the study. It concludes: ”[O]ur study provides novel evidence for the beneficial use of extremely low doses of THC, doses that do not elicit any psychoactive side effects, in order to protect the heart from ischemic insults. THC can be used as a pre-conditioning drug in cases in which ischemic insult to the heart is anticipated, such as during cardiac surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention.”
5. Cannabinoids Found to Reduce 90% of Skin Cancer in Just 20 Weeks
Researchers at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health had a study published this year in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, which found that cannabinoids can reduce up to 90% of skin cancer in just a 20 week period in animal models.
Related Studies:
Cannabinoids Destroy Cancer Cells, Prevents Them From Growing
Cannabis Kills Brain Cancer Cells
Cannabinoids Can Kill Gastric Cancers Cells
THC Kills Stomach Cancer Cells
6. THC May Be Helpful in Combating HIV
A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found researchers infecting white blood cells with the HIV virus, before then exposing the cells to synthesized THC. After doing so, the cells saw a drastic decrease in the rate of HIV-1 infection.
7. Cannabinoids May Be Best Medication For Those With PTSD
A study conducted by researchers at the New York University School of Medicine, and funded by the National Institute of Health, found that those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had a lower number of active cannabinoid receptors in the brain. According to researchers, this study paves the way towards using cannabis as an effective medication for the condition, given that cannabinoids activate the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
8. Cannabis Can Treat Osteoarthritis
A study published in the journal PLOS One, as well as by the National Institute of Health, found strong evidence that activation of our body’s cannabinoid receptors – something done naturally by cannabis – can treat osteoarthritis (OA), which, according to the study’s researchers, is “a prevalent disease accompanied by chronic, debilitating pain”. It’s the most common joint disorder.
9. Cannabis May Prevent Organ Transplants From Being Rejected
An importand study published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology found that cannabis may actually prevent organs from being rejected during transplant, which often leads to death. The irony in this is that in most countries, people are refused organ transplants if their blood tests positive for cannabis, even if they’re a qualified medical cannabis patient in an area where its legal.
10. Cannabis May Grow Stem Cells, Repair the Brain After Injury
A study published in the December issue of the journal Biochemical Society Transactions, and published online early by the National Institute of Health, found that the brain’s endocannabinoid system – which is activated through cannabis use – has neuroprotective and immunomodulatory capabilities, and may actually lead to the growth of stem cells.
And taken daily by children under five, will solve all of Bermuda’s debt problems in a day. Ijiot
Being that YADON has no negative response I guess it’s too much information for the nay sayers or it has some validity.
Maybe they need a bit of THC to grasp it all in.
@Steve…understand one thing. What you are reading, is information that is available to us today – easily thru the internet. Marc Bean did not have any of this info 17 years ago. It was a crap shoot he was taking with a child he had for the first time! Big difference!
What if he thought she was suffering from Cancer, would he have given her cocaine? Before you freak out and say that is crazy, there are several people and studies that suggest that it is a cure. Don’t believe me, here is one.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2317989/
What if pigs had wings they would probably fly, Medicinal Ganja (HEMP)and its products have been in existence and practice for thousands of years, yes even before the internet. LMFAO
Fact, smoking to much marijuana kills brain cells. Steve B, you are living proof. My guess based on the things you post, you have been smoking regularly for 25+ years!
Too much of anything will kill your brain cells, if you drink too much water in a short time period, the ratio of water to sodium escalates, your brain swells and brain cells die in the process, as well as too much junk food, alcohol, stress, sniffing paint and even using the micro-wave to name a few, next!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everything kills brain cells in fact you just lost some as you typed out your nonsence what you think that your brain does not regenerate cell or form new ones. All that science your talking about I would have thought you would have come across hundreds of articals on the matter.
LOL
Cannabis does NOT kill brain cells, it regenerates them after trauma, it is a neuroprotectant. It does kill cancer, through apoptosis or programmed cell death. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Sage I might have been wrong to say everything kills braincells. Thats what is repeated all the time Im saying that you regenerate them anyway without any cannibus, alchool or whatever you are in a constant dieing and regenerating mode anyway was my point. Also Sage I agree with you on this topic dont fight your friends to this cause unless your just here to argue we could talk politics if thats what you want.
LOL
Biko,
I would start by pointing out how many of these points begin with “may”. I would then point out that most of these studies are one off studies lacking the scientific scrutiny of follow up research.
With respect to cancer, I know many cannabis users who got cancer, have cancer and/or continue to have cancer. I’m sure you do as well. Sweeping statements that cannabis cures cancer are irresponsible. Clearly there is some merit in further studies.
Biko spoke too soon!
@Steve, not saying that none of these finding are true or not, but never put your faith in any study where the most positive news listed in a conclusion uses words like “MAY”. If they could confirm any of it they would not use that word because it shows uncertainty! If they knew it cured anything they would say IT CURED A,B,C!
Don’t get me wrong, I have very little faith in modern medicines and their lab tests either.
That’s why they call themselves Practitioners because they’re still PRACTICING and we are the Guinea Pigs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Using that argument, Marijuana is often referred to as dope, so that makes those that use it – DOPEY?
Actually that is a term used by those who dont know the difference in drugs “dope” is commonly used for heroine lazy slang is to blame for the labble and people that know no better latch on to terms like that.
LOL
I’ve seen some very intelligent people, politicians, lawyers, etc, do some DOPEY things, what’s their excuse !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A complete list of myths.
Moron.
why that list myths but all the other list saying it bad are all facts you need to stop giving yourself enema with your head
Voices in the medical community do not accept smoked marijuana as medicine:
- The American Medical Association (AMA) in November 2013, amended their position on cannabis, stating that “(1) cannabis is a dangerous drug and as such is a public health concern; (2) sale of cannabis should not be legalized; (3) public health based strategies, rather than incarceration should be utilized in the handling of individuals possessing cannabis for personal use; and (4) that additional research should be encouraged.”
- The American Society of Addiction Medicine’s (ASAM) public policy statement on “Medical Marijuana,” clearly rejects smoking as a means of drug delivery. ASAM further
recommends that “all cannabis, cannabis-based products and cannabis delivery devices should be subject to the same standards applicable to all other prescription medication and medical devices, and should not be distributed or otherwise provided to patients …” without FDA approval. ASAM also “discourages state interference in the federal medication approval process.” ASAM continues to support these policies, and has also stated that they do not “support proposals to legalize marijuana anywhere in the United States.”
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) “is supportive of more research into the benefits of cannabinoids. Better and more effective treatments are needed to overcome the side effects of cancer and its treatment. However, the ACS does not advocate the use of inhaled marijuana or the legalization of marijuana.”
- The American Glaucoma Society (AGS) has stated that “although marijuana can lower the intraocular pressure, the side effects and short duration of action, coupled with the lack of evidence that its use alters the course of glaucoma, preclude recommending this drug in any form for the treatment of glaucoma at the present time.”
- The Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) states that “the high dose of marijuana necessary to produce a clinically relevant effect on intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma in the short term requires constant inhalation, as much as every three hours. The number of significant side effects generated by long-term use of marijuana or long-term inhalation of marijuana smoke make marijuana a poor choice in the treatment of glaucoma. To date, no studies have shown that marijuana – or any of its approximately 400 chemical components – can safely and effectively lower intraocular pressure better than the variety of drugs currently on the market.”
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believes that “[a]ny change in the legal status of marijuana, even if limited to adults, could affect the prevalence of use among adolescents.” While it supports scientific research on the possible medical use of cannabinoids as opposed to smoked marijuana, it opposes the legalization of marijuana.
- The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) “is concerned about the negative impact of medical marijuana on youth. Adolescents are especially vulnerable to the many adverse development, cognitive, medical, psychiatric, and addictive effects of marijuana.” Of greater concern to the AACAP is that “adolescent marijuana users are more likely than adult users to develop marijuana dependence, and their heavy use is associated with increased incidence and worsened course of psychotic, mood, and anxiety disorders.” “The “medicalization” of smoked marijuana has distorted the perception of the known risks and purposed benefits of this drug.” Based upon these concerns, the “AACAP opposes medical marijuana dispensing to adolescents.”
- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has stated that “based on studies to date – and the fact that long-term use of marijuana may be associated with significant, serious side effects – it is the opinion of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Medical Advisory Board that there are currently insufficient data to recommend marijuana or its derivatives as a treatment for MS symptoms. Research is continuing to determine if there is a possible role for
marijuana or its derivatives in the treatment of MS. In the meantime, other well tested, FDA approved drugs are available to reduce spasticity- The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) consensus it that marijuana is properly categorized as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act and concurs with DEA that “the clear weight of the currently available evidence supports this classification,
including evidence that smoked marijuana has a high potential for abuse, has no accepted medicinal value in treatment in the United States, and evidence that there is a general lack of accepted safety for its use even under medical supervision.” NASN also supports of the
position of the AAP that “any change in the legal status of marijuana, even if limited to adults, could affect the prevalence of use among adolescents.”
- The American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that there is no current scientific evidence that marijuana is in any way beneficial for treatment of any psychiatric disorder. Current evidence supports, at minimum, a strong association of cannabis use with the onset of psychiatric disorders. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to harm due to the effects of cannabis on neurological development. The APA does support further research of cannabis derived
substances as medicine, facilitated by the federal government, and if scientific evidence supports the use for treatment of specific conditions, the approval process should go through the FDA and in no way be authorized by ballot initiatives.
.”
yes smoking would be abuse but people abuse other legal drugs and no goes to jail for that abuse why is it when i do it with cannabis me and anyone like me has to go jail
ALL LIES…Not even myths just LIES…thats why you are DOPEY!
as soon as i saw the AMA..i didnt have to read anymore…all trash n you believe it…idiot!!!
also who said anything about smoking it for medical use ingestion or other means are avalible why the focus on recrational use ie smoking people smoke cigerets, cigars other forms of tobacco which also have the same health problems and they are legal. Why does it scare you? Kids or people you dont like do it or something?
LOL keep you bais out of this how many times have you heard of the FDA being paid to let a drug go through as “safe” only later to be recalled later. Please look at all info. I think most people believe that smoking it is not the optimal way to get the benefits although some do see some benefit through smoking it.
Prove what your saying is the only correct truth. Guess doctors are like lawyers you can always get a new opinion. This is really all about money and the control of money. As for you are you a doctor, if so how long has it been since you brushed up on your knowledge as docorts do now see much value in eastern medicine now and before they did not is it because pharmacies cant make as much money of the people following a preventitive approach to heath? After all name one drug that helps with the conditions that marijuana helps with that has less side affect that you will in the long run have to seek additional medication to fix and then to fix the fix and so on till you die from the poisons your talking.
LOL
LOL
Thank you for this list. I would have loved to see the sources or links to these articles also.
simply type medical uses for Cannabis you got on Bernews should not be to hard.
LOL
here do urself a favor n educate urself then come back n comment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qbtYY4HFOw&list=TL3EncG62bDEFsYjGgtAWcl6br0O_S0nbB
medicine:
- The American Medical Association (AMA) in November 2013, amended their position on cannabis, stating that “(1) cannabis is a dangerous drug and as such is a public health concern; (2) sale of cannabis should not be legalized; (3) public health based strategies, rather than incarceration should be utilized in the handling of individuals possessing cannabis for personal use; and (4) that additional research should be encouraged.”
- The American Society of Addiction Medicine’s (ASAM) public policy statement on “Medical Marijuana,” clearly rejects smoking as a means of drug delivery. ASAM further
recommends that “all cannabis, cannabis-based products and cannabis delivery devices should be subject to the same standards applicable to all other prescription medication and medical devices, and should not be distributed or otherwise provided to patients …” without FDA approval. ASAM also “discourages state interference in the federal medication approval process.” ASAM continues to support these policies, and has also stated that they do not “support proposals to legalize marijuana anywhere in the United States.”
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) “is supportive of more research into the benefits of cannabinoids. Better and more effective treatments are needed to overcome the side effects of cancer and its treatment. However, the ACS does not advocate the use of inhaled marijuana or the legalization of marijuana.”
- The American Glaucoma Society (AGS) has stated that “although marijuana can lower the intraocular pressure, the side effects and short duration of action, coupled with the lack of evidence that its use alters the course of glaucoma, preclude recommending this drug in any form for the treatment of glaucoma at the present time.”
- The Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) states that “the high dose of marijuana necessary to produce a clinically relevant effect on intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma in the short term requires constant inhalation, as much as every three hours. The number of significant side effects generated by long-term use of marijuana or long-term inhalation of marijuana smoke make marijuana a poor choice in the treatment of glaucoma. To date, no studies have shown that marijuana – or any of its approximately 400 chemical components – can safely and effectively lower intraocular pressure better than the variety of drugs currently on the market.”
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believes that “[a]ny change in the legal status of marijuana, even if limited to adults, could affect the prevalence of use among adolescents.” While it supports scientific research on the possible medical use of cannabinoids as opposed to smoked marijuana, it opposes the legalization of marijuana.
- The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) “is concerned about the negative impact of medical marijuana on youth. Adolescents are especially vulnerable to the many adverse development, cognitive, medical, psychiatric, and addictive effects of marijuana.” Of greater concern to the AACAP is that “adolescent marijuana users are more likely than adult users to develop marijuana dependence, and their heavy use is associated with increased incidence and worsened course of psychotic, mood, and anxiety disorders.” “The “medicalization” of smoked marijuana has distorted the perception of the known risks and purposed benefits of this drug.” Based upon these concerns, the “AACAP opposes medical marijuana dispensing to adolescents.”
- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has stated that “based on studies to date – and the fact that long-term use of marijuana may be associated with significant, serious side effects – it is the opinion of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Medical Advisory Board that there are currently insufficient data to recommend marijuana or its derivatives as a treatment for MS symptoms. Research is continuing to determine if there is a possible role for
marijuana or its derivatives in the treatment of MS. In the meantime, other well tested, FDA approved drugs are available to reduce spasticity- The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) consensus it that marijuana is properly categorized as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act and concurs with DEA that “the clear weight of the currently available evidence supports this classification,
including evidence that smoked marijuana has a high potential for abuse, has no accepted medicinal value in treatment in the United States, and evidence that there is a general lack of accepted safety for its use even under medical supervision.” NASN also supports of the
position of the AAP that “any change in the legal status of marijuana, even if limited to adults, could affect the prevalence of use among adolescents.”
- The American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that there is no current scientific evidence that marijuana is in any way beneficial for treatment of any psychiatric disorder. Current evidence supports, at minimum, a strong association of cannabis use with the onset of psychiatric disorders. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to harm due to the effects of cannabis on neurological development. The APA does support further research of cannabis derived
substances as medicine, facilitated by the federal government, and if scientific evidence supports the use for treatment of specific conditions, the approval process should go through the FDA and in no way be authorized by ballot initiatives.
.”
also who said anything about smoking it for medical use ingestion or other means are avalible why the focus on recrational use ie smoking people smoke cigerets, cigars other forms of tobacco which also have the same health problems and they are legal. Why does it scare you? Kids or people you dont like do it or something?
LOL keep you bais out of this how many times have you heard of the FDA being paid to let a drug go through as “safe” only later to be recalled later. Please look at all info. I think most people believe that smoking it is not the optimal way to get the benefits although some do see some benefit through smoking it.
If I were a person who was sent to jail for having a small amount of ganja at Harbour Nights for personal use and not to supply to children, I would really be annoyed at Mr. Bean’s admission without consequence. Parliamentary Privilege is not to be used to cover ordinary crime, but to encourage debate.
Garbage Mr. Bean.
1 cup of tea?
Hell. If that works, one ten foot plant would cure Bermuda.
Garbage.
Ganga-gate.
How do “circumstances” prevent a man from seeing his child until that child is 2 and a half years old? You had to be TOLD she had asthma?
Was this diagnosed as Asthma by a medical professional ???
Could have been a number of things.
First opportunity he gave a 2 and a half year old Cannabis tea…
That is seriously messed up.
guess you think acupuncture is nonsense too or how about 4000 years of eastern medicine people have been using plants for years why do you think this is any different.
LOL
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that current evidence supports, at minimum, a strong association of cannabis use with the onset of psychiatric disorders. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to harm due to the effects of cannabis on neurological development.
The APA doesn’t talk about the effects of cannabis on 2 year olds, presumably because most people aren’t so stupid as to think it’s a good idea to give cannabis to a 2 year old. In addition, it’s regarded as criminal child abuse.
that’s bs why would something with cannabinoid in it effect the brain like that when the brain has it own endocannabinoid system
K want to address my post what do you think of herbalists.. Hippies right or eastern.. medicine witch doctors…. please as stated as a fact people have been using plants for centuries for many things again why do you think this is different ask that everytime you eat a plant, why are you eating it clearly you want to eat out of a box or can trees are useless not like you need to breath or anything.
LOL
i love it i love it i love it….everybodys skeletons comeing out…ooohhh wat a day..
I don’t want Bean to make any decisions that affect my kids. He is obviously an irresponsible idiot. I hope the Police are investigating. He shouldn’t be allowed to have minors under his control.
Serengeti–you are an idiot! you don’t know the difference between herb, plant and drugs… bet u love your drug pushers I.E. pharmacist, doctors ect… if you listened to the debate Mr. bean also explained about the difference and how prescription drugs are the true killers and we need to make all DRUGS illegal, why? because they FDA are constantly recalling DRUGS, they have a whole list of harmful side effects that can become permanent and they actually make people sick! You are an idiot if you think that HERBS, and PLANT life are more harmful than manmade prescription drugs that contain steroids and cocaine and prolly heroin in them, also the disgusting so call food that comes in this island , half of it should be banned because we are only trying to keep doctors in a job we are not showing concern for peoples priviledge to enjoy GODs green earth which was given to us!!!!!!Man made drugs have been the cause of most illness and also the fast food, packaged, canned food, containing soy, cornstarch and #1 killer, SUGAR, get a clue stupid.I would prefer to give my child an herb over any manmade killer DRUG.
The Police should be investigating this. He supplied an illegal substance to a 3 year old.
The drug that Bean gave his 3 year old child is an illegal mind-altering substance.
He did not just have the cannabis for his own personal use. He supplied it to another person, a toddler, in his care.
He is mindblowingly irresponsible. Children should never be left in his care. he isn’t a fit parent.
Exactely, that’s illegal substance WITH INTENT TO SUPPLY…..how many oher ppl got charged with that??!
He did not administer a mind altering substance to his child. THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis is not water soluble, therefore he gave no drugs to his child. His claim of her being cured of asthma, well that’s another story there.
Even if you’re right and the active ingredient is not water soluble, that doesn’t mean anything. The “tea” would probably have been a suspension of matter in a liquid. A bit like the consistency of orange juice with pulp. When she drank the tea, she would have ingested the mind altering substances.
barely mind altering I see you were very sheltered indeed. do you go to the same church your parents went to and their parents before you? I do not vote PLP for other issues this is not one of them your just picking to pick. I guess if you see someone in the street with a different style you judge them before they even speak to you.
LOL
had a friend drank ganja tea for years diagnosed with cancer continued to drink the tea months after diagnosis my friend passed away where was the great cure for him the cancer was in its early stage only thing he got out of it was a good clean out
@Islander. Had it been legal to study the healing compounds like CBD and the various flavanoids and terpens could be extracted. A tea would not be able to extract enough of these.Most of these compounds are fat soluble not water soluble.Please google Rick Simpson or phoenix tears to find out how this is done and how many people HAVE been saved.
Yadon these guys dont have the knowledge you have just parinoid streotypes.
LOL
reminds me of a black and white movie where everything is perfect but the daughter wears a skirt that doesnt cover the knees and all hell breaks lose.
LOL
Would you rather he had ravaged his body with chemo and radiation($$$) and destroyed any chance of maintaining a quality of life until the inevitable happened? You should have done the research, if this poor guy was really your friend, and got some full extract cannabis oil, which may not “cure” cancer but it does kill it and has sent peoples cancers into remission and shrunken tumors, rather than ridicule a dead man who can’t tell us his experience.
stress kills, when mucus builds in our system from the acidic based food we ingest, the power of suggestion that something is not at ease makes people stressed out and most doctors would not recommend people to mix prescribed drugs with herbs.. if one is only on herbs than no problem , but the manmade drugs actually can hamper your body from naturally getting rid of excess mucus, so don’t know if your friend took drugs with the herbs that could be a whole different situation coz herbalist do not go to doctors only to healers, which most are not allowed to practice under codes like doctors and nurse coz they don’t push drugs
No one on the international scene or in Bermuda seems to have a problem with the Minister of Tourism who served a prison term for drugs why would they with Marc Bean representing us internationally or locally. Good for him for using medicinal marijuana, a plant from nature. Chemical drugs do more harm to the body then marijuana could ever do. There is so much evidence regarding both.
The distinction, Renee Webb, is that Bean gave illegal drugs to a 3 year old child in his care.
This is worse than owning or using illegal drugs. He supplied and gave illegal drugs to a small child.
This should be investigated by the Police. He can’t be trusted with having children in his care.
He should resign immediately. He is unelectable.
@ Renee web—ok, but like you pointed out, Crocky DID HIS TIME, and now we need Mark Bean to DO HIS Time for illegal activity.
Investigation please!
Curious as to what exactly would be investigated considering his daughter is now 20….I doubt there would be any “evidence”
Ms. Webb, I can’t believe you would go there. We also didn’t have a problem with a minister on the PLP side being convicted of armed bank robbery! Did you? We have $800 million unaccounted for that went missing? Should we be pointing fingers? Do you really want to go there?
She is defending her PLP. Maybe this is more serious than we think. Bean better watch his back.
medicinal marijuana?…I bet it wasn’t!
4 comments thus far, and not one of them on the actual topic which is Cannabis Reform and the debate regarding what we as a country should do – - decriminalization or legalization.
Stay focus on the importance of the debate, guys.
Q
IF and WHEN it is debated by RESPONSIBLE people that are capable of debating,then perhaps this Country will focus on it…until then..BOLLOCKS!
Your comment is daft, you understand that right?
We, the people, should be discussing our options – not only our elected officials. I am indicating that we should be focused on the topic versus what I know that most OBA supporters are excited about – - the opportunity to attack Mr. Bean for a decision made 17 years ago.
My question – would you had rather him lie about his decision then take a year to hide his lie THEN come back to the house and explain it? (Just asking as this is what happened last year)
But, we need to get back to the discussion about our options as a community in regards to cannabis reform – - simple.
Q
…after all the crap about Jetgate. You had this coming and this is a mountain compared to that little molehill. This has finished his career forever because no one will ever vote for him and want him on the international scene representing Bermuda, no one. It’s over for him
**This has finished his career forever because no one will ever vote for him and want him on the international scene representing Bermuda, no one. It’s over for him**
err , you forget this is fantasy island .
Let’s take ‘he who’s name shall not be mentioned’ as an example.
After how he spoke and acted , and what he did to this place , he would be completely unelectable anywhere else in the world where race based politics didn’t exist.
Hell , he could eat a baby on stage in front of a live audience and he would still get re-elected here in a heartbeat.
In the eyes of ‘his’ faithful what,by comparison , MB has done is NOTHING . They will forget it , ignore it , whatever , but he’ll not loose any popularity amongst those who all that matters is the PLP becoming government again.
Are you referring to Commissiong?
Another daft comments the crap about Jetgate was caused by the OBA trying to deceived and transfer blame as far as this being the end for Mark Bean only in your small brain hahahahaha SMDH you people are funny as hell
Flying on a jet is not illegal.
Giving marijuana to a toddler is definitely illegal.
Sorry if that’s way over your head. Get a grown up to explain it to you.
BEAN OUT !!
BEAN OUT !!
BEAN OUT !!
Marc Bean needs to resign immediately over Gangagate!!!
I thought it was SpliffGate
I am shocked and disturbed by Marc Bean’s statement that he administered an illegal drug to his toddler daughter. This is child abuse, plain and simple. And this is the man the PLP are hoping will someday lead this country? His lack of judgement is extraordinary.
no it is not child abuse, you are clearly uneducated.
errr,NO! you are are!
Ya and how many of u old fools gave your kids shots of cocksbur or some other form of alcohol back in the day when they were teething or had an ear infection? Seriously. Some people are so convinced that weed is so dangerous with like no proof. Hilarious really. So quick to take some politicians word as gold. Lmao and layers dont lie either smh. This country is doomed.
This idiot supplied illegal drugs to his baby daughter. It’s hard to imagine a more irresponsible action. And totally illegal.
In answer to your question, I have never given alcohol to a child. It’s sheer stupidity.
what about something call gripe water that is like a shot of vodka
This is the type of infantile ill-informed comment that just makes you look ridiculous.
Gripe water has no alcohol in it whatsoever. Its only active ingredient is baking soda, which reduces tummy acid.
Quite a bit different from giving a baby illegal mind-altering cannabis.
Anyway, Bean should be in jail. When is he resigning?
Ive said it b4 n ill say it again… most caugh syrups are sugar water and synthetic heroin robitussin for eg… ib prophin is emphetamines used to make crystal meth… because it comes in a facy bottle and is on tv its ok to you? You are just clueless and im not trying to degrade you.. you are just clueless
smoke the weed everyday
-
Snoop lion
FFS, it’s herbal tea… not unlike any other herbal remedy. My kid used to love lemongrass tea at 3 years old. Does giving it to him make me a horrible person?!
You lot need a reality check.
“the first opportunity I had her in my care and custody, I went and made her a big cup of ganja tea. At two-and-a-half….three years old.”
So he never assessed or sought a medical opinion, just straight to Ganja Tea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How does he know it was Asthma…it could have been so many things.
Sure maybe Herbal, but is is a narcotic substance with powerful affects on the brain. Would you give your w year old a mug of rum!?
Putting it into context, not only has this man handled and used an illegal substance, he gave it to an infant. AN INFANT!!!!!!
He broke the law and showed gross irresponsibility as a parent.
No, I wouldn’t personally give my kid a mug of rum. However, if I genuinely thought that there was some medicinal benefit or cure to my child’s physical ailment, then I would certainly try it.
Yes,it does!..being as you asked!
Cannabis KILLS AND CURES CANCER, AND OVER 300 DISEASES!!!!!!
THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS THIS NOW!
DO NOT BE DEGENERATE AND DENY THE RIGHT TO US!!!!
STOP LETTING PEOPLE DIE AND SUFFER FOR NO REASON!
The CURE was here all along!
there’s a useful 4 letter word starting with S and ending with T and you are so full of it.
Salt?
Spit?
SNOT
I am for legalization, but I wish proponents would refrain from spreading sensationalist “facts” in support of their efforts. There are plenty of valid reasons to legalize without this nonsense.
unfortunately sir we all have an opinion which we are also entitled to have. yours is simply the same!
Opinions are fine – don’t present them as medical facts.
There is not one children’s medicine (over the counter or prescription) which is safer than cannabis. Prior to it being made illegal around 1937, most children’s medicines had cannabis in them.
If anyone can list a children’s remedy that’s safer than cannabis, I’ll give you $5000.00 — if you agree to pay /me/ $5000 if you name one, and it turns out not to be a safe as cannabis by objective standards.
Any takers? Then keep your smart mouth shut until you’ve hit the books and know what you’re talking about. I am not interested in your emotional feelings about cannabis. You know what you’re talking about (unlikely), or you don’t.
Put your money where your big mouth is!
Who are you to tell Bermudians to keep their mouths shut?
I agree with your initiatives and cause, but I don’t agree with your arrogance and belittling of people that might not agree with you.
So if you don’t have anything positive to say, then keep your mouth shut.
Stop licking your wounds and focus on the facts of what he is saying. This is not about opinion or positive/negative statements, this is about objective science.
Of which, Marc Bean is clearly well versed. (sarcasm)
Honestly i dont know why we even try and retort their statements. They r just plain brainwashed. Someone up top said it was bad and they believe it. All theyre tryin to do is make bean look bad. Lol. Doesnt matter tho. Legal or illegal nobody gives a crap anyway lol. Half of those bies up on the hill prob smoke it everyday. Or worse like a little coke to stay motivated. And i aint talkin barrits
…science. Bwaaaahaaaaa. now that’s funny.
You need to go back where u came from and clean up your own back yard. Bermudians can sort their own issues out. That’s the trouble these days the outside is always telling us how we should live. I am for weed but don’t need anyone coming in telling me what’s good or not for me.
well, that means no more overseas consultants??? Think Mr Bean would want to bring in some for this situation
“If anyone can list a children’s remedy that’s safer than cannabis”
Water is a great remedy for dehydration.
Show me the money!!
You can overdose on about 4 or 5(I believe) litres of water. You would need approximately the equivalent weight of a refrigerator full of midgets to overdose on marijuana. You get a B for effort though.
Interesting choice of units. You’ve managed to mix metric with midgets.
You are correct, every substance has a lethal dose.
I’m for decriminalization but in terms of a less harmful substance, I’m sticking with water.
It’d certainly be cheaper to overdose on water though!
Ain’t that the truth! You are also correct, moderation is key to everything. Too much of anything is bad for you, water, weed, sex, everything…except hemlock, that **** will kill you.
what would you regard as a moderate dose of cannabis for a two year old?
Personally, none. Do I believe the herb tea is less harmful than what medicines are typically given to children, yes. Would I? No, since I have no scientific research to back it up. Whether or not Bean was wrong to do what he did is a matter of perspective.
It’s not the fact that it isn’t safe, it’s the fact that studies have proven it can alter your brain state, etc being as your brain isn’t fully developed, prior to 18 years old, so probably not the best thing to be giving to a 3 year old. Would you give your 3 year old a cup of rum? (Fully support decriminalization/legalization here) Just not smart for a child.
lots of parents gave their children rum back in the day to ease their teething and help them to sleep, tomorrow I make a law” no one with straight hair is allowed in Hamilton” now how silly is that, but if its the law then OBEY?!!man cannot properly articulate Gods earth so has no right to choose what goes in our mouth, lets start stopping obese people, adulterers, and anyone that eats pork and shell fish! all junk food is to be banned coz it has no purpose, soda serves no nutritional value, and is dangerous to the gums,. ingesting cannibas has not proven to be harmful but certain nuts and fish can actually cause death, we might have to debate a lot of issues involving what we ingest and what the consequences are.. All food products containing cornstarch and soy should be banned, ..all processed food is also debateable.. what about cigarettes and alcohol, although legal all of the mentioned food items have been proven to cause illness and eventual death in some cases.. Do we really care about our children or do we care about who has control over us just for the heck of it!
Humm, an interesting brief history on cannabis in America from PBS.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/dope/etc/cron.html
I didn’t know about this. Thanks, @Alan Gordon.
Ride
Thanks Mr Alan Gordon, looks like some are trying to score political points only, but have lost the fight…lost battle and dead man walking…
MB broke the law and therefore should resign! Could you imagine if a US or UK politician publicly stated that they gave an illegal narcotic to a two year old? OMG!
TEAGATE! Lets have it!
Marc Bean needs to resign
People, can you imagine this Island being run by the likes of Mark Bean, Commisiong and Desilva…. and else for Kim Swan and Jonathan Starling waiting in the wings for a job… Lord have mercy on Bermuda !!!!!!
Yeah, He did nothing that others aren’t doing illegally to cure or relieve the pain of a loved one.You obviously haven’t watched CNN and the amount of people that have done the same and have gone to greater lengths to get the treatment that’s needed. Priests, lawyers and DOCTORS and POLITICIANS.Do your research because you are looking more silly than MB with your comment.
NOT A 3 YEAR OLD….thats the point people are making.
There are actually children who are being given a cannabis extract for illnesses, under a doctor’s care.
But like any other drug, it should only be administered to cure illnesses by a trained professional. Preferably a medical doctor who also accepts holistic practices.
Instead of taking his child to a medical doctor to be properly checked over, Mr Bean treated his child with an illegal substance, likely without any knowledge of what it might or might not do to the developing brain of his child.
That is negligence.
Even should cannabis become legal for personal or medical use, it still should not be given to a child, nor should any other herbal remedy that has mild altering properties.
Yes, in the past, and even today, some parents will use whisky or rum for teething but rarely was it more than being rubbed on the gums, or a small portion put in their bottle.
This too isn’t particularly wise, but it does not equate to a big cup.
That Mr Bean continues to think his action was the right thing to do concerns me deeply. Clearly he hasn’t learned a thing in the past 18 or so years to suggest to him that a different route might have been a better choice.
Let me rephrase that… not ‘cure’ but ‘treat’ illnesses.
Do you realize how long and how widespread the use of herb as medicine for all ages actually is? “Doctors” overprescribed antibiotics and created deadly, resistant MRSA, they don’t exactly have a great track record. Shivites, Sufis, RasTafari and many others all administer it as necessary, Peter Tosh sung “Bush Doctor” saying what Sanjay Gupta is now admitting to be true, without a Phd, 40 years ago! You can trust the legal pushers, but next time you take some of their meds read the side effects list, and ask yourself if you want to take the risk.
Actually it was a 2 YEAR OLD! Go and look at the the CNN episode! A family from new York couldn’t obtain the cannabis oil so they took their 2yr old,who was suffering up to sometimes 50 seizures a day,to Colorado to get the oil legally.Their daughter went from 50 to 3 or less seizures a day almost instantly!!! They had to return home to new York and realized that they would be arrested at airport upon return from Colorado with the oil. They tried their best to make the oil at home,after obtaining marijuana leaves but couldn’t duplicate the quantity or quality of oil they received in Colorado.The family then decided to move to Colorado.So again, another who hasn’t got their facts straight!!
I saw this. I also know someone in Colorado who suffered terribly with migraines. Since he has had medical weed he has not had one single migraine in 4 years. That’s a fact
But yet we have these “child care and safety advocates” condoning imprisoning someone for relieving a childs suffering.
Or correcting bad behavor go figure………
LOL
It’s pretty clear that some read the CRC report and others didn’t bother.
I wonder how many of you pro ganga people would get off the plane if the Co Pilot stated……..
‘Welcome to today’s flight,the Captain is stoned outta his head on Ganga.
Have a Nice Flight!’
Just like I would get off the plane if I learned that the Captain had consumed a few drinks before take-off. No one is condoning smoking and driving (or flying in your absurd example)
Except that’s not what we’re talking about…
What is stoned??? I have never been stoned!!Marijuana has never made me violent, It has never made me unaware of my surroundings or unable to control myself,never pee’d myself, It has never caused me to wakeup unaware of who I just slept with,It has never caused my family to breakup,Nor has it ruined millions of lives.I would rather the pilot smoke marijuana than him flying drunk or on prescription drugs! Atleast I know he wont be flying faster than he is supposed to and that you will get there safely. Why don’t you do your research on the amount of pilots that had marijuana in their system versus other drugs(alcohol,prescription etc) when tested! I know it was just another attempt to be funny that failed on your part!!! Google search “funny drunk people” and pick out your pilot!!Now that’s funny!!!!
U honeslty thing those cwaks that sit up front in a plane actually fly it? Lol get a clue mate.
Hal wiff yoo lutt.
Um gonna gatt sum Lion Feesh, boyhill hit hin rum ann smoka johnt hup horn dee stapz uv dee Howze Huv Gunja…………………
Detz rite………………..
and there you have folks..Terry is stoned outta his head too!
err… Terry always needs a rum…
Whats the difference between ganja tea and ganja oil prescribed by physicians? Sunjay Gupta, the biggest advocate AGAINST marijuana UNTIL NOW!!! He now advocates the use of marijuana medically and it so happens that tea is one of the forms of ingesting it. I am a medical marijuana patient card holder. What the opposition leader did is no different than ten of thousands of people doing the same thing because of marijuana being illegal in most states and countries. Ask yourself, if your loved one has an illness or disease that the only relief of pain is in the form of marijuana,what would you do?? Insurance wont cover you to travel to get the right treatment!! Before you all spew your garbage look at Dr Guptas programs on medical marijuana and place yourself in others shoes. Its the people who find nothing wrong with a few glasses of wine,beer or rum who are against marijuana!! Hypocrisy at its finest!!
Ganja tea is not the only sucessful treatment for asthma so you are off base. It must also be noted that substances that a mature adult body can deal with may have harmful effects in a young imature body. Add to that the fact that the first three years of a childs brain formation are generally accepted as the most important to their development why would anyone put their child in jeapoardy by giving them an untested unproven drug?
why would you VACCINATE A BABY!!!
The possibility of death for my child, and many others from a treatable disease.
Right so ud rather give them steroids. Um ok sure sounds safer than ganja to me
What an idiot!!! Lets not hope you have a young child that’s suffering and components in marijuana is the only thing that’s relieving your childs symptoms or ailments,because you would be the first to be seeking the Herb,if you cared any for your loved one!!! I WOULD DO OR TRY ANYTHING IF IT WILL PROLONG LIFE OR PROVIDE RELIEF IF MY CHILD IS SUFFERING!! What good is trying to develop a childs brain if the childs suffering and living day to day and future looks uncertain?? I would rather my child live longer than worry about him/her losing a few brain cells.
Rocky,
The issue is that you at least nominally can be assumed to have seen a doctor to get your medical marijuana card. Mark Bean administered a drug to a child without a professional medical opinion of any sort. That is the difference. As many have pointed out, he was not qualified to diagnose “asthma” as the issue, nor was he qualified to prescribe “ganga tea” as the cure. He could have masked a different issue with his treatment, which in turn could have had serious consequences.
Studies on the use of THC to treat asthma were using an inhaler, not tea. Doses needed to be controlled as some patients given stronger doses experienced bronchoconstriction, not dilation! This is why such treatment should be under a doctor’s care!
You are also wrong!! As a Naturapath I have come to learn that its not the THC that is used to treat asthma its the cbn in marijuana!! Also it is not used in an inhaler but a VAPORIZER! The difference between the two is that a vaporizer heats the marijuana to a certain temperature but doesn’t actually burn it as if smoking a joint! FYI neither tea nor oil is made from the potent part of the tree(BUDS) it is actually made from the leaf of the tree!!BIG DIFFERENCE! Therefor easy to control the thc and cbn levels.I don’t need to read information from one source and think its the gospel but have rather studied tried and tested for myself and are walking proof.
Do you realize how much
Money insurance companies will loose if the make marihuana legal. It will cut out many prescriptions people take. Probley cut down on doctors visits and even hospital stays. We can grow it in our little space and save tons of money on man made crap.. It’s time to stop debating and just say yes. Half if not more of Bermud smokes. Eats or drinks it.
Explain how insurance companies would see fewer profits.
“C” and company….you have no idea how insurance operates. IF cannabis ever proves to have the sweeping effects you claim…it will not impact insurance profits.
It already saves them millions in avoided medical care.
sage – thanks – i should clarify – it would not have a negative impact on insurance profits
Minister Shawn Crockwell said that if there was a referendum on legalizing marijuana it would have the largest turnout of any election, by-election or referendum we have ever had.
”And we do not even have to guess how that referendum will turn out.”
Well Shawn , I guess it all hinges on exactly how the question is worded , doesn’t it ?
Sound familiar ?
Let me start by asking, how many of you people on here drink chamomile tea, peppermint tea, lemon tea ect? Explain to me if you do, what the difference between those HERBAL teas and ganja tea is…? Quite frankly, ganja tea is most commonly made with the LEAF not the BUD and the bud is what carries the THC not the leaf… I was given the same thing for many different reasons, and each time it worked perfectly and now i give it to my kids aswell. Its always the people that know nothing that have the most to say. Keep strong MR.BEAN, you are an AWESOME FATHER!
I agree.
The best fathers are often absent for the first two and a half years and administer illegal drugs to their child asap.
Great job!
yeah like the many fathers and mother who are doing the same thing Bean did and have no regrets!! I bet you would have done the same thing unless you are that type to run to the Dr to get asthma pump and think that its curing your childs asthma when its steroids that you are administeribg to your loved one. YES STEROIDS!!! that will have a worst affect on the development of a child than marijuana.
Have to have a mind first.
Go back to work and get off your bosses computer.
well its confirmed now…some bermudians are as dumb as the concrete they’re standing on…maybe it is time for an uprising, because scientific facts and reality just ain’t cutting it…i cant fathom how after the truth and proof has been shown and seen ,there are still non believers,i wonder what pharmaceuticals did you consume that halted your brain development…or was it just the falsehoods that you have been indoctrinated that closed your minds shut. I know its hard to accept that the True facts differ from the people who you thought you could trust.
Your fear of cannabis reflects your lack of knowledge, your lack of knowledge reflects your lack of intelligence…and these are the people that are dictating to the way YOU an I must live OUR own lives …scary.
Operation Pressure Cooker.
Part 4.
Been in trouble. Time served.
Admit something relevant to topic.
Statutes have run out.
Yettb will keep lid on; (paid consultant).
Phase 2 of Part 4 coming up.
Stay tuned and don’t touch that dial as the heat is turned up from simmer to medium.
(gives a new meaning to “from the mouth of babes”. Lip service from Liptons comes too mind).
You’ll get it.
Positives: at least the politicians seem to be having an open chat about this issues and protection for young people from the stop list for a mistake at 18, 19 is a good thing imo.
Negatives: Marc (MD) Bean…statements like that are proof positive of the negative effects on brain development………
All Marc Bean did was be honest with the people of this country. I understand the above attacks on him by you OBA folk, after all, you need something to soothe your bruised egos after the jetgate debacle. I listened to Marc Beans speech in its entirety, and as usual, he was excellent. In fact, every MP who spoke on BOTH sides of the aisle gave great contributions, and personal testimonys. MP Burt and MP Jackson also spoke very well.
There is a reason why so many people like Marc Bean….compare him to most politicians who are more concerned about votes…..compare him to our current Premeir and OBA govt and their constant dishonesty……Marc Bean is a very good leader in my opinion. And his knowledge goes beyond google and all the books many of you highly miseducated folk be reading.
Are you serious? I listen to him all the time on the radio and he sounds ridiculous. If you are that “concerned” would you leave your 3 years old with him?
Jetgate was made more a bigger issue thatn what it was and I don’t care about OBA nor PLP just people that care about growing Bermuda and not weed.
He’s a bigot, he’s ignorant and he should be ashamed of himself for administering ganja to a three year old. Unbeleivably stupid, selfish and immature. He has no knowledge or right to od that.
debate the gameing issue NOW not this load of s*1*.
I feel that allowing small amount for usage will not hurt. I do believe that if you put a age group and a Tax on it, only then will the Government of the day get out of depth, so why not give the people there choice, remember you are there OBA because the people of this country believes in you doing the right thing, so just sign off on it. The members in the house have stated that at one given time of their lives that they have tried it, look at them now out standing folks who sit before the house as representatives of either party. As I see pot didn’t cloud their mines because they sit before you speaking about doing the right thing when it comes to Pot. People of this country want to smoke pot so let them. OBA, you said that you are here for the people of Bermuda and that not everyone will agree regarding when it comes time to put your money where your mouth is meaning pen on paper. I don’t smoke weed/Pot but I’m just saying. OBA I voted for you because I knew you would listen and that you at the end of the day. Our here for your people don’t wait for another country to say you should’ve done this years ago because they’re out of depth. OBA “I say again you must put an age limited and only small amounts for a person.”
Um, a 3 year old and a 70 year old both under your care and you give them weed tea? Are you serious. No more ventolin, lol, all ashmatics get weed tea from Doc Bean! You need to RESIGN for handling a controlled substance and admitting to it and administering it to a child that was under your care. I hear it all the time, weed does not make you violent etc. etc. my brother has been smoking it all his life and he has made no change in his life as a matter of fact, Bean you are right, it has put him sleep for the last 35 years! Done nothing with his life but smoke and dream of doing stuff but never actually do anything. You are disgraceful, sound like my alcoholic Grandmother that said Scotch was for her upset stomach…………..all hogwash.
Hahaha nobody will ask him to resign. Half the population smokes weed lol.
Ery little ting gonna bee alwrite
And if people don’t know this then they r living in a bubble. It’s a fact.
Dis boy be done now. That comment was political suicide 101. We all knew it was coming, it was never if it was going to happen but when. A police investigation into this should be started. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stone Marc, should have remembered that one, but then again you’re probably stoned most of the time, or at least you look it.
Pothead!
You are using your LAZY brother to make your point?Thats Hogwash!!!!
Well I can name quite a lot of contributing citizens,some who have contributed more to this country than you have!!! Fact is if your using your brother as an example doesn’t hold water. I bet you like a sip now and then!What hypocrisy!!! How has alcohol worked for for this planet besides ruined thousands of lives and families.
@nuttin but d truth…look at ur name n look at what Bean said. NUTTIN BUT D TRUTH .. So..SHUT the **** up. If you ain’t got NUFFIN positive to say then keep your opinion to yourself you uneducated human!!!!! It ain’t any of your concern as to what he administered to HIS flesh and blood!
Smh at all these ridiculous comments.
Free up d herbs n stop with the war n fight.
Peace, love and unity to all!!!!
To be fair for over a century marijuana extract has been used as an active ingredient in doctor prescribed OTC drugs for bronchial ailments & a brief Google search will also let you know many kids medicines also contained marijuana extract. http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/c7/ac/c1/c7acc1c610abbada99ae44277c93a9e9.jpg also including infants http://www.pinterest.com/pin/441704675923636326/
Personally I am against legalizing anything outside of medicinal marijuana (in the medical form & not in the loose leaf form) since there will be too many knuckle heads who instead of being responsible about this will try to abuse it out in the open (with no medical need for the plant) & this when we have to consider 2nd hand smoke by kids & those who don’t smoke. Even if it’s relegated to personal use to only be used at home, if a landlord has kids & doesn’t want that sort of thing under his roof who would be right in the eyes of the law?? If it is to be legalized then it should only be so by prescription & even then it should only be in the medical form.
Whats your position on cancer stick smoking in front of kids, and devil’s soup drinking in the open they’re ok right? Hypocrite.
How am I a hypocrite if you don’t know my stance on such matters????? You funny…
Must have missed it.
I am talking ‘heading’ not another thread.
OBA need a young MP to advocate this move if they want to secure the under 25 vote…..Nandi ain’t doin nuffin right now…gurl lite a cone and advocate! lol
Do you know how many people have been affected adversely by weed? Young people messed up mentally. It’s not for everyone. I am curious if it cures a cold why then does it create mental issues, induced by something in there. I know of a few young people that smooke it and had serious issues paranoia and ended up in St. Brendon’s. They are walking around talking to people that are not there!
those people more than likely already had an underlying problem which could have been anything…as for the zombies you see , trust me its the pharmaceutical help they get…tsk tsk.
Wrong…..so ill informed..
I have no problem if this is used by terminally ill people…but I fear for this country if it’s suddenly acceptable for regular use…where are all the churches on this? I don’t hear an outcry. There is just a huge silence. I guess ganja ok but gambling not…hypocrites
do u really have the gall to say that someone is “wrong…so ill informed”…wat a joker u are…as for the churches…why would they cry out about something that GOD created..? gambling created by satan…cannabis created by GOD…whats ur choice?
Just out of curiosity… Is giving a controlled narcotic to a minor illegal?
If prescribed by a trained doctor if absolutely necessary, I guess so. Can I (un untrained person) take a pill out my moms medicine cabinet and give it to a two and a half year old. I hope not!
I just found out cock fighting is done with roosters and now it feels like this 6 months of training has been wasted.
Wow,can we imagine if this guy was in charge,holy Molly.
Weed heads telling stories where and when was it purchased and who from ? The country needs to know
Now I know why Bean is so incoherent,
Step back and look at the big picture folks. Out of the thousands of years that humans have walked this earth marijuana has been frowned upon for probably less than a century. Who instigated this? Why only the most powerful controlling evil morally backwards country in the world the USA…that’s another can of worms.
It’s a plant people! It wouldn’t exist on this earth if it wasn’t meant to be here. Every has its place in nature- including the coca plant and poppy flower BUT NOT cocaine or heroin.
It’s pretty obvious that the world is heading back to how it’s been pretty much for all human existence. KNOW YOUR HISTORY, LOSE YOUR EGO, DO YOUR RESEARCH! IT’S A PROVEN MEDICINE! google – Dr Grinspoon- a professor at Harvard waaaaaaaayyy more qualified than anyone talking including me on this topic. He’s written books people! How many books have you written about marijuana? Look in the mirror and ask yourself how much you really know and then ask youself could your opinion be biased like a warm comfy blanket.
Silver Or Lead”: Billboards Deliver Death Threats To US Cops From Mexican Drug Cartels
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M52Q4DU_wL4
The hate is real continue on bean watch the next election all u fools Gona b sick to your stomach when bean leads us to victory!!!! P.s. Dunkley been the premier all this time jz had cannoneer in position to take all the slack wake up people
you are having a real good dream there boy,when you wake up and smell the ganga you’ll know it was
All um saying if i came out and said i gave me 3 year old gunja tea i would be locked up and he/she would be taken away from me! BTW I am PRO legalization!!!
And why is this being debated? Don’t we have real issues facing this island? What a huge waste of time.
Absolutely stunned! Bean is a fool and has to go!! Let him drink his ganga tea on his own time!
Marc is making Bermuda politics look like nothing but an amateur circus act and that’s the last thing we need to attract potential new investors. Marc Bean’s a liability and need to resign immediately.
ILLEGAL…no matter what health benefit may be argued…ILLEGAL. And likely an offence to administer an illegal substance to a child!
Where’s your moral censure now PLP?
The reason one would even consider marijuana a gateway drug….is because the dealers sprinkle pot with cocaine,crack,and heroin……marijuanna by itself is harmless….and quite grand actually!They do it to addict your children before they even know they’ve tried it,the transition is made before their even introduced to it….by the way happens through their saying that they don’t have any pot but they have some of this…at which time the craving is already there.Remove this transition and you control addiction.Mr. Dunkley…it may not be this govt. Intention but surely you must realise it is your constituents’ intention.Were also quite fed up with all the rhetorical diatribe and abase imposition of archaic and draconian laws that are in no way reflective of world acceptance and freedom to choose, we do not need keepers …..certainly not the likes of which we know to be hypocritical nincompoops!
Please don’t imply that govt …past nor present has our best interest in mind….If that were true….many things would be different…because you go to church,does not make you a rightious person,sinners go to church,….a lot of them….it merely implys need….indeed it is in fact a deterent for some …who might meerly look around and see who is there to know….that presence is an associative….percievable compliscense of sorts….some people you just don’t want to associate with because …well…you know a person by the company you keep.And when I look at the people who percieve themselves our keepers …well …In each instance I view….I am cognitive…I think there for I am…..and do not require anyone to make decisions that are clearly my own to make,further fist you have to be a peer to even have voice to mine ears….please do not assume yourself a keeper of the ten commandments….when I know….you haven’t even read them!Weed is a chalice in about three religions that have a lot less violence associated with them….It is not the intention?….So why even pay us your worthless diatribe….that is correct…diatribe!So speak to be heard but know this…we…yes we…we don’t want to hear it!…The people have spoken and here we go again…another deaf *ssed govt…
I love the idea of license use, it can be regulated and as such a great benifit to Bermuda economicaly….we need this…we want this….our guests want this,freedom and justice need this…The Creator made it…why do you think he made it?….;)….I’ll tell you why…..Marijuanna is Gods’Way of sayin He loves us and he wants us to be happy…Does anyone here remember Romper room….the teacher would tell you…do be a dooby?….Well …that should tell you right there…light up dat deah chalice!……yah got to be a dooby……or the doobie brothers………….or if you don’t on the other hand you can listen to the rightious brothers song….”You lost dat loving feeling!”……an you don’t want dat!!!!!!!!!
all you anti-cannabis people have got your head so far up your a** it not funny, there is a cannabis plant called charlotte’s web name after charlotte figi a five year old girl who takes it 3-4 times a day for her epileptic seizure so if this plant is so bad for kids why this little girl 2 years later is better now than the day she was born i think you lot hate this plant so much you would never listen and read anything on cannabis unless it agrees with your negative views
anti cannabis groups are brain washed, lost and looking for a leader to pacify their childish behaviour…
Do we have a dictatorship Government?
Here is an interesting link with a reasonably balanced look at the subject of medical marijuana – https://cyber.law.harvard.edu/evidence99/marijuana/Health_1.html
The question I have is, why do so many people feel the need to get high or drunk off of Marijuana or Alcohol respectively. What pain are they running from? It is very sad.
http://offgridsurvival.com/zombieamerica-mind-altering-drugs/
http://www.marijuanalibrary.org/Dr_Weil2.html
I’d be interested to know if Mr. Bean’s daughter was medically diagnosed with asthma or if she displayed asthma-like symptoms? This is an important aspect.
Regardless, did she change residences at or around this time? Did the symptoms subside immediately or gradually? Did her diet change? Were pets removed from her surroundings?
There are numerous scenarios that could account for the subsiding of her asthma-like symptoms that are more plausable than a single cup of cannabis tea.
http://news.yahoo.com/cannabis-therapy-corp-near-term-132800494.html
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-pot-legalization-20140603-story.html#page=1
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/02/marijuana-coffee-legal-adam-stites-_n_5431822.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592
This is the reason the OBAers are viewed the way they are. I support the OBA but only because I feel that the PLP are racist towards people like me. I have seen it exprienced it and defended myself from it. However the OBA pull this higher than thou attitute at every stop MP Bean giving this to his daughter has nothing to do with anything what some 17 years ago your grasping at straws OBA. The fact that the OBA are even playing with this idea in the house shows they must live in ivory towers and teleport to each others house oblivious to the people outside. It is that issue the OBA have to combat they have to get out there with us normal people ASAP if they dont they will be a one term government as I know I would obstain first if things continue. All youe ivy leage i have money will not get Bermuda to like you or even consider you at the poles. This is the PLPs strength and because your common sence is basically lost you trip head first into the PLP machine and it shreds you. Medical Ganja should be leagal anyone who has picked up books on the topic would know why it was made illeagal in the first place and trust it had nothing to do with it effect of smoking it and more for the effects it had on cigeret sales and phamasutical companies not being able to control the market of it.
LOL
What are you talking about? The OBA (the actual organization) has not even released any commentary on what Mr. Bean confessed to in the House. Actually, it is the OBA that has kick started this debate and not the Opposition.
And also, while I am in full favor of updating our archaic weed laws, I oubt vey much that ‘normal people’ (as per your words) would feel comfortable to give a 2.5 year old weed tea without any advice/prescription from a trained health professional. It is irresponsible as a parent to give your children such medication without understanding the potential effects that it could have on a small child’s developmental progress. Weed tea for an older cancer patient (or any otehr disease) is not even comparable to providing such medication to a 2.5 year old whose small body is constantly evolving and developing.
And lastly, for Mr. Bean to claim that he knows for a fact that his daughter’s one cup of weed tea resulted in her asthma going away is hilarious and scary all in one. What medical evidence does he have to prove that was the case? If this is true then why hasn’t asthma been completely eradicated from our earth? Sorry but when it comes to health matters I prefer to rely on actual scientific evidence as opposed to someone’s emotional perspective.
PS: If you think it just OBAers that find Mr. Bean’s revelations a little bit disturbing (i.e. the fact that he doesn’t need a professional’s advice and that he knows for a fact that his weed tea cured his daughter’s asthma without a doubt) then you are mistaken. I have heard many people, from all different walks of life, state that they believe his actions were an irresponsible parent and that he comes off as arrogant for stating he knows better than doctors or any other trained health professionals.
So you want to crusify this guy for something he did 17 + years ago? He who has no sin cast the first stone then. This whole thing is a tit for tat thing the PLLP had Jetgate which in my opinion was a mole hill now the OBA has this. Tit for tat what is the overall impact on you or anyone in this situation. Answer 0 bad and 1 good ie daughter does not have the issue they thought she had. Even if drinking the tea did nothing whos to say? You like the word of Doctors huh guess what they just want money take KEMH for example how many stories have you heard where they wanted to amputate legs, arms, or organs ie lung and such. Only to go to Hopkins and have those doctors laugh at that thought. So which doctors do you trust I think it better to try to self dignose then ask for an opinion after all that all doctors really do isn’t it.
LOL blind faith in what as someone is making lost of money off you.
Again, please reference where I want to crucify the guy? And also please reference where the actual OBA organization has sought to crucify him as well? A bunch of partisan posters does not equate to the OBA organization seeking to crucify the man.
I am all for liberalisation of the weed laws in this island. But I am not condoning the usage of a mind altering substance to a 2.5 year old or any child for that matter. The politicians on both sides apparently agree as both parties have stated that an acceptable age threshold of 21.
As I said on another thread how doe sone get high off of smoking or ingesting weed? The chemicals (natural or not) alters your mind resulting in the ‘high’ state one finds themselves in once consumed. I don’t about you, but I would say that providing a small child whose little brain is just beginning to develop with such substances isn’t the smartest or most responsible thing a parent can do. And then to claim that he knows it cured her without him needing medical opinion or expertise to back up his theory is just plain arrogant.
And yes I do trust doctors in general and not just regarding this subject. I imagine then you have never or will never ever seek a physician for whatever ails you now or in the future given your belief that they are all part of some massive conspiracy.
So again, let me explain it to you so you can understand.
I do not agree with Mr. Bean’s actions of plying his toddler daughter with weed.
I do agree with his actions of providing weed to his insomniac father as the man was 70 years old.
I also agree that the weed laws in this island are archaic and need to be reviewed.
Got it?
SMH idjit
MB will NEVER be The Premier of this Island and the plp are finished.
Gone like a wiff of smoke!
Inhaling smoke is bad in any form the child did not smoke it …
This is like most will say; they have given their child rum for toothache, so they could sleep the whole night through or a whining baby. Mother’s that admit to smoking through their pregnancy …
Just a little will not hurt them!!
If you can create jobs and bring people around the world here, leaving there cash here we need to be serious and stop throwing jabs.
Education, jobs, shelter, water & food are my number one issue
Maybe it wasn’t the right place or time for many but it is out there. Now the discussion has broke its seams can we get serious.
It look like the parties have found common ground dam it do not stop the unity!!!!
Now let this be quick and easy …
*If the Terminator had to give up acting to be Governor … You guys can give up something for something …
what a pack of junkies.