Hashtag: #DecriminalizationOfMarijuana

Scott: ‘Responsibility To Push For Progress’

Scott: ‘Responsibility To Push For Progress’

Following Minister Michael Dunkley’s response to the PLP’s announcement that they will table an amendment relating to cannabis laws, Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Scott said the Minister “chose to focus on politics over progress.” Earlier this week the PLP announced that they drafted an Amendment which they intend to... Read more of this article

PLP Call On Dunkley To “Address Allegations’

PLP Call On Dunkley To “Address Allegations’

The Opposition PLP have called on Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley to address the allegations from Eron Hill, saying that his resignation from the Cannabis Reform Collaborative [CRC] is a “concerning development.” Last month Government announced that work had begun to produce a paper on cannabis policy reform and announced... Read more of this article

Activist Asks Governor About Cannabis Assent

Activist Asks Governor About Cannabis Assent

In an open letter sent to Governor George Fergusson and published on various social media web pages, cannabis activist Alan Gordon asked if Government House will grant or deny assent to any future legislation pertaining to the legalization of cannabis. For new legislation to become law in Bermuda, it must first pass in the House of Assembly, then the... Read more of this article

CRC Member Resigns, Cites “Ulterior Agenda”

CRC Member Resigns, Cites “Ulterior Agenda”

[Updated with video] Eron Hill — who was a member of the Cannabis Reform Collaborative [CRC] — announced today [Jan 22] that he has resigned from the group, saying that the “committee has an ulterior agenda to ultimately take a certain position on cannabis.” Mr. Hill also noted that two other members of the committee have resigned... Read more of this article

Dunkley: ‘Reckless And Not Thought Through’

Dunkley: ‘Reckless And Not Thought Through’

[Updated] “Reckless and not thought through,” said Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley in response to the Opposition’s press statement and draft Bill related to cannabis possession and handling. Earlier today [Jan 21] the PLP announced they drafted an Amendment which they intend to table in the House of Assembly next month, calling... Read more of this article

PLP Bill: Remove Sanctions For Under 20 Grams

PLP Bill: Remove Sanctions For Under 20 Grams

[Updated] The PLP has drafted the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2014 which they intend to table in the House of Assembly next month, Senator Marc Daniels said today [Jan 21]. The bill calls for the “removal of all penal controls and criminal sanctions in relation to the possession and handling of cannabis and/or cannabis resin, where the weight... Read more of this article

Cannabis Activist Petitions For Medical Marijuana

Cannabis Activist Petitions For Medical Marijuana

Law graduate and medical cannabis policy activist Alan Gordon has started an online petition asking Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley to allow emergency medical cannabis permits for cancer patients with a doctor’s recommendation. Mr Gordon said he has two good friends with recurring cancers that conventional treatments have failed to quell. According... Read more of this article

Work Begins On Cannabis Policy Reform Paper

Work Begins On Cannabis Policy Reform Paper

At the request of the Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley, on 5 December, 2013, a collaborative group began meeting to produce a paper on cannabis policy reform. Members of the group include Stratton Hatfield, Dr. Ernest Peets, Kamal Worrell, Julia van Beelen, Khomeini Taalib-Din, Cordell Riley, Krystl Assan, Lamar Caines, Eron Hill, Kyle... Read more of this article

PLP Throne Speech Reply: Cannabis Reform

PLP Throne Speech Reply: Cannabis Reform

Removing penalties for simple possession of small amounts, introducing a medical marijuana regime, regulating the sale and use of marijuana and creating a system for the government to get their share of the multi-million dollar profits are some of the options for cannabis reform included in the PLP’s Reply to the Throne Speech. The topic was... Read more of this article

Minister: On Conscription, Marijuana, Gangs

Minister: On Conscription, Marijuana, Gangs

[Updated with video] Conscription will be eliminated and the Regiment preserved, Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley said at a press briefing this morning [Nov 14] to expand on his Ministry’s Throne Speech initiatives. He spoke on a number of topics including anti-gang measures, mandatory ID checks when serving alcohol, elimination of conscription,... Read more of this article

Marijuana Decriminalization Consultation Paper

Marijuana Decriminalization Consultation Paper

During last week’s Throne Speech, the Government announced they would “produce a public consultation paper on the decriminalization of marijuana and an examination of its wider uses.” The relevant portion of the Throne Speech [PDF] said, “The time has come for leadership in the public debate on marijuana. “Therefore, in... Read more of this article

Drug Testing MPs, Decriminalization Discussion

Drug Testing MPs, Decriminalization Discussion

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a motion was brought forward in the House of Assembly for MPs to be subjected to random drug testing policy. Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley said: “In an era when we speak about personal responsibility and at every turn encourage young people in particular to make positive lifestyle choices, the implementation... Read more of this article

Videos: Political Candidates Discuss Marijuana

Videos: Political Candidates Discuss Marijuana

Subsequent to the recent news of a now-former PLP candidate being found in possession of a small amount of marijuana, at least seven of the election candidates have been asked at press conferences whether they have ever smoked marijuana. Those admitting they have used marijuana or “had a puff” in the past include Susan Jackson [OBA] and... Read more of this article

Video: “Marijuana Should Be Classified as Food”

Video: “Marijuana Should Be Classified as Food”

Yesterday afternoon [Jan 31] the Young Progressives held a press conference, and Gershwyn Smith spoke first, calling for marijuana to be made legal in an effort to reduce criminal activity. Mr Smith said that: “It is obvious the drug laws as they stand have given rise to the underworld in Bermuda, a social disorder which if not corrected will... Read more of this article