59-Year-Old Tourist Jailed For ‘Medical Marijuana’
In Magistrates Court this morning [May 25], visitor Edith Norton Lord Wolff, a 59-year-old California woman who said she was a self-employed investor, was sentenced to thirty days in prison for importing approximately 35 grams of cannabis in fourteen rolled cigarettes and two plastic bags.
The prison sentence came along with a $3,000 fine.
The cigarettes and bags had been found after a Customs search after she had landed in Bermuda on 17th May 2011.
The sentence came after she had pleaded guilty to the offence and after her lawyer Marc Pettingill had pointed out, at length, that the marijuana that she had in her possession had been prescribed to her by a medical doctor in California.
The doctor had prescribed the drug, not criminalized in California, and under California law accepted as a medicine; in the treatment of Menieres Disease from which Ms Lord Wolff was said to be suffering.
Mr Pettingill provided the Court with a faxed copy of the prescription. Mr Pettingill also pointed out that the defendant had never denied possession and was completely cooperative.
However, presiding Magistrate Archie Warner ruled that under Bermuda Law, the amount was large and even though the Crown had dropped the second charge of possessing with intent to supply, he was still required to take the amount into consideration.
The Magistrate also rejected arguments by Mr Pettingill that the fact that she was carrying the drug as a result of a medical action could not be taken into consideration.
Magistrate Warner cited a previous case, ” where a senior court, in Bermuda, had ruled that possessing or using the drug as part of a religious rite did not mean that marijuana’s use and possession could be justified in contravention of Bermuda law. He said that the same principle applied in this case and that medical use fell into the same category.
On hearing her sentence, Ms Lord Wolff cried out in shock and horror. She could still be heard as she was taken through the Court door into Police custody before being handed over to Corrections staff.
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- Bermuda is NOT the place to take your medical marijuana! | The NORML Stash Blog | May 27, 2011
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This is ridiculous…… Come on judge Warner, you MUST be kidding! 30 days!
She didn’t do her homework. She took a risk, and that smells ulterior Motives.
If any of us were coming home or entering the USA. What you think they would do. Just ask the 100 plus Bermy guys that are on the Stop list and can’t enter the USA for having a small smoke on them.
Thats not the same dummy. She has a medical condition that is helped my smoking weed. The idiots on the stop list you refer to just smoke it because they like it.
Yes – But Bermuda does not have the law to allow for medicinal use – therefore any possession is illegal.
Please proof read before you call someone a dummy or smoke some weed it may help you to write better. Did you read your above reply?
:-O this is outrageous!!! $3000 and 30 days in jail??? she would have been better off shooting someone instead…
Thank you you hit the nai in the head..
Ridiculous.
Common sense would have told her to check if weed was illegal in Bermuda; how is it ridiculous. If she would have went to Bangledesh or thailand she would be doing 7years rather than 30days and in some countries, death penalty in China. So thirty days could have been substituted for a heavier fine.
Preto…does she have family here in Bermuda. Whta was the puirpose of her visit.
There are 134,890 other spots in the US, Carribean to travel to with that amount of illegal drugs.
Give me a break. Her? No.
that sentence was waaay over the top
She’ll probably be out in 10 days!!
It’s still illegal in Bermunda!!!!!
such is life. unfortunately, she will probably never set foot on the island again but ignorance is no defense in the eye of the law. although she may claim medical use, its only legal in about 15 out of 50 states and it is still illegal at a federal level so she shouldn’t be all that surprised that she’s in hot water outside of california
So we lose a drugged up tourist – so what..!
wow are you serious… your a sheep and will die a sheep, you live the way your government wants and never have a real life of your own. I’m not saying drug use is living so don’t even try to go there. I’m just saying that I am so glad i am not you and your ignorant self. She has a serious medical condition in which medical marijuana is needed.
Hey come, if she had this in any state in the US which does not have legalization of the drug, she would had been in Trouble! Now what she should had done from the beginning, was to check and see if Bermuda laws allow the possession of it!
What SERIOUS medical condition does she suffer from? You seem to be some sort of medical expert. The drug in ILLEGAL in most states in the U.S. and I am surprised she made in on a plane with that much. Oh, never mind, she got on in California. It is legal in Cali.
It may be illegal in most states.. but the penalty is not even remotely the same as in Bermuda.
She’ll get like a $100 fine and ticket?
Bermuda, catch up with the rest of the world.
@ Ian
I agree, that punishment was ridiculous.
i wish i could swear in here so i could f%#k u wayyyy off for being a complete moron
I know medical marijuana can only be sold as an injested product in the state of Colorado never as cigarettes but I guess California has different guidelines – or not – as the case may be!
Marijuana is illegal in Bda. Period!
Hey – you’re not Confused…
what else is new..
Well it’s legal to own guns in the USA too – maybe we should allow them into Bermuda too, but only if you’re a tourist and you can show a receipt from a reputable gun dealer… Wal-Mart or the like..? Give me a break.. It’s against the law – whether you like it or not….
What the hell does guns have to do with a medicine. yes she should have done her homework and known that is was illegal. but your analogy makes you look like even more of a complete moron. how are you going to compare guns to a substance that for the record has NEVER killed one human being EVER! 40,000 people in the USA die from anti-depressants aka: paxil… you know that stuff you take because you can’t stand your sh%$ty life. Have fun with your thickened artery walls and an early death : )
You lot that are hell bent to have herb legalized for your own benefit are hysterical .. ‘Herb never killed one person ..no-one.. ever’
So there’s no evidence of anyone anywhere who was able to smoke herb all day for years ever getting cancer ? No evidence of someone high having a fatal car accident , or maybe falling off their roof doing maintenance work at home under an altered state ? And those are just some easy examples .
Just keep up the good work changing the subject and demonizing alcohol for people that like a cocktail in moderation .
No one would smoke a joint, then go on their roof to do work ‘bredren’, she’s too hot up der.
If anything they’ll smoke a JAINT, get some ice cream and chill in the A/C and watch cops or Full House re-runs.
You give people to much credit, especially someone under the influence of a mind altering drug. Going to work on a second story roof might seem perfectly reasonable to someone high. At least that’s what a certain family member of mine thought when he went back to work…on a roof! One shattered ankle and the other completely broken, he has the pins and bolt to prove how stupid weed makes you.
The exact same could be said of alcohol weather you like it or not either drink and/or smoke and be cool about others indulging or do neither. If this is not the case then all those dissing weed should not drink either as they are both mind altering DRUGS weather you think it is or not oh and more car crashes are as a result of alcohol not weed just so you know.
LOL
Sensible policy can give any one safe access, or heck why not grow your own! Will take the money from criminal activities which if i’m not mistaken is priority in Bermuda now?!
oh yes by the way, no records ever showing someone has died from cannabis. the lethal dosage is 40000x what any human can ingest in one go…alcohol deaths and related accidents alone in bermuda top any list
@don’t pass the dutchie
While I don’t smoke weed, I do believe you sir, are a moron. What troy is saying is that there have been no DIRECT deaths due to smoking weed. No one has ever overdosed on weed. No one has ever killed someone, or prostituted themselves to get money for weed.
The fact that alcohol is legal and weed isn’t is a joke.
Most people I knew that smoked weed smoke cigarets as well so cancer is a great possiblity for them anyway. Its all about choices and moderation.
LOL
Well said.
Um, go back to primary, their is HUGE difference between DIRECT and INDIRECT. You lot that are hell bent on trying to make something out of nothing are actually not intelligent enough to have common sense. That really is what is wrong with the world today. Make things so complex that people get confused and can’t get through all the muddy waters. If what you say above even came close to making sense then we could replace weed with just about anything. Ex. Being tired behind the wheel is EXTREMELY dangerous. Being tired can cause horrible traffic accidents and has killed many a driver. Is being tired behind the wheel illegal? Why not? Same with the roof analogy. A tired person is extremely off balance due to lack of sleep and could easily fall off roof. Is it illegal to be tired? Being sleepy is one of the number one causes of work related accidents in the USA. But…
Alcohol is a drug. Cannabis is a natural plant that grows from the ground. There are hundreds of alcohol overdose deaths each year, yet there has never been a marijuana overdose death in history. The consumption of alcohol is also the direct cause of tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. each year.
In 2001, there were 331 alcohol overdose deaths and 0 marijuana overdose deaths. Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Source: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5337a2.htm
Excessive alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States and is associated with multiple adverse health consequences, including liver cirrhosis, various cancers, unintentional injuries, and violence.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported 20,687 “alcohol-induced deaths” (excluding accidents and homicides) in 2003. Source: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm
The CDC has no reports of “marijuana-induced deaths.”
There is little evidence, however, that long-term cannabis use causes permanent cognitive impairment, nor is there is any clear cause and effect relationship to explain the psychosocial associations.
The latest and most comprehensive research on marijuana has concluded that it does not contribute to the development of lung cancer. Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR200605…
There has never been a documented case of lung cancer in a marijuana-only smoker, and recent studies find that marijuana use is not associated with any type of cancer. The same cannot be said for alcohol, which has been found to contribute to a variety of long-term negative health effects, including cancers and cirrhosis of the liver.
Alcohol use contributes to aggressive behavior and acts of violence, whereas marijuana use reduces the likelihood of violent behavior.
Alcohol is clearly the drug with the most evidence to support a direct intoxication-violence relationship.
Cannabis reduces likelihood of violence during intoxication… Source: Hoaken, Peter N.S., Sherry H. Stewart. Journal of Addictive Behaviors. 28, pages 1533-1554. Drugs of abuse and the elicitation of human aggressive behavior. Dept. of Psychology, University of Western Ontario. Dept. of of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University.
Alcohol use is highly associated with violent crime, whereas marijuana use is not.
About 3 million violent crimes occur each year in which victims perceive the offender to have been drinking at the time of the offense.
Two-thirds of victims who suffered violence by an intimate (a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend) reported that alcohol had been a factor.
Among spouse victims, 3 out of 4 incidents were reported to have involved an offender who had been drinking. Source: U.S. Department of Justice. Bureau of Justice Statistics. National Crime Victimization Survey 2002.
Alcohol use contributes to the likelihood of domestic violence and sexual assault and marijuana use does not.
Of the psychoactive substances examined, among individuals who were chronic partner abusers, the use of alcohol and cocaine was associated with significant increases in the daily likelihood of male-to-female physical aggression; cannabis and opiates were not significantly associated with an increased likelihood of male partner violence.
…the odds of any male-to-female physical aggression were more than 8 times (11 times) higher on days when men drank than on days of no alcohol consumption. The odds of severe male-to-female physical aggression were more than 11 times (11 times) higher on days of men’s drinking than on days of no drinking. Moreover, in both samples, over 60% of all episodes occurred within 2 hours of drinking by the male partner. Source: Fals-Stewart , William, James Golden, Julie A. Schumacher. Journal of Addictive Behaviors. 28, pages 1555-1574. Intimate partner violence and substance use: A longitudinal day-to-day examination. Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Alcohol use is prevalent in cases of sexual assault and date rape on college campuses, whereas marijuana use is not considered a contributing factor in cases of sexual assault and date rape.
A Harvard School of Public Heath study found that 72 percent of college rapes occurred when the female was too intoxicated by alcohol to resist/consent. Source: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/cas/Documents/rapeintox-pressRelease/
Comparisons between alcohol and marijuana with respect to sexual assault are very difficult. This is because it does not appear as if marijuana is a significant contributing factor. The best way to “prove” this is through observation that many organizations dedicated to studying and educating about sexual assault do not list marijuana as a substance associated with incidents. Here is a good example from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: http://www.rainn.org/types-of-assault/sexual-assault/drug-facilitated-as…
Note their description of alcohol: “Alcohol is the most commonly used chemical in drug facilitated sexual assault. In large part this is due to the fact that alcohol is easily accessible and a chemical that many people use in social interactions.” Given the fact that marijuana is also “easily accessible” and used widely in “social interactions,” it is quite telling that marijuana is not even listed at all on this “Drug Facilitated Assault” page.
Another example: A Web site sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services lists alcohol, but not marijuana, as putting a person at risk for unwanted or risky sexual activity: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/rohypnol.htm#5
Alcohol use contributes to reckless behavior and serious injuries, and it is highly associated with emergency room visits, whereas marijuana use does not contribute to such behavior and injuries, and is seldomly associated with emergency room visits.
“Cannabis differs from alcohol … in one major respect. It does not seem to increase risk-taking behavior. This means that cannabis rarely contributes to violence either to others or to oneself, whereas alcohol use is a major factor in deliberate self-harm, domestic accidents and violence.” Source: British Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, 2002.
OK, Sick of this. Yes, there are great arguments to be made in favor of legalizing cannabis, but UNLESS YOU GROW YOUR OWN YOU GET IT FROM A DEALER, your ‘harmless little toke’ is killing our men. That’s it. So yes, marijuana use IS associated with crime in that regard, True. Until it’s legal, I don’t need it. Talk about sheep and being led- unless you don’t mind the blood of your brothers on your hands, do what you like but don’t get caught. For now it’s illegal, we must abide by those laws until they are changed, or else continue to fuel the criminal economy that leads to turf wars and dead young men. No economic draw = decreased appeal to be in a gang, which might actually save a few lives.
It’s that important, and that’s the reality. It would be nice to live in the land of ‘what if’, where pot is legal and we can all get stoned while holding hands, but that’s not where we are right now. Grow up and don’t light up.
Done. SMH I don’t know what the hell is the matter with people. Yes, I’ve smoked before, but then I wised up and thought about exactly what it was that I was doing. I was providing a reason for a drug dealer to stay in business. Is that what you want to do?
Fed up I never said in any post that I smoked. I like my lungs pink and healthy just as the Lord intended thank you very MUCH.
What I was doing was providing researched information from reputable and credible sources. Which naysayers to the Cannabis argument can never do.
Some people don’t drink OR do drugs. But some people are also smart enough to see scientific evidence versus rhetoric propaganda. People that are pro alcohol and anti cannabis are lunatics defending their precious liquid drug. “Oh I can have a cocktail or three or four and I’m fine to drive home.” Please. Who are you fooling?
How many people roam our roads every day after drinking absurd quantities of liquid devil?
And I agree with you:
“Until it’s legal, I don’t need it. Talk about sheep and being led- unless you don’t mind the blood of your brothers on your hands, do what you like but don’t get caught. For now it’s illegal, we must abide by those laws until they are changed, or else continue to fuel the criminal economy that leads to turf wars and dead young men. No economic draw = decreased appeal to be in a gang, which might actually save a few lives.”
Best advice possible:
“We must abide by those laws until they are changed, or else continue to fuel the criminal economy that leads to turf wars and dead young men.”
Best slogan to memorise: “Grow up and don’t light up.”
@ troy
Thanks, Still Larnin… is clearly slow. While it is legal to own a gun in the U.S. 99% of the time, it is only allowed to be on or near your property. They cant hop in the car and go to the grocery store with a gat in their back pocket Lol
It has to do with it being against the law… Honestly Warner went way over the top too… She should have been given her medicine in a nice little plastic bag and then sent back through US customs at the airport and then back to the US whence she came… Let the US deal with their own and foot the bill too…
My goodness, you need help right away if you think your comparison is valid. Let me help you through the hard work. Guns=KILL PEOPLE
Marijuana=NOT ONE DEATH EVER. Do you understand how silly your apples to oranges comparison is now?
Weed heads would never understand, they still believe weed don’t kill just becaus there’s no record of it. It’s still illegal in BDA
and…….?
Tell you what you should drink alot of alcohol and challenge a weed head who is high to a race down a stright road. I bet any money that the weed head gets there safely and you don’t.
LOL
@My two cents
I agree with you.. But sadly the mass’ dismiss us as “WEED heads” even though Alcohol and tobacco which is legal contributes to MILLIONS of deaths a year….
It’s just a cop out because they either:
1)haven’t researched anything and don’t WANT to do the research so they use their opinion or “what somebody told them” as factual information, again back to primary school. “Fact versus opinion”
2)know the truth but are defending its illegal status because they are in an industry that some how benefits their pockets to keep the illegal status
3)take a person or even a few that they know smoke weed and apply that to EVERYBODY that has ever smoked weed. Again common sense would say “does everyone I know that drinks/drank alcohol an alcoholic”? “Does everyone I know has taken a narcotic painkiller for a medical reason turn into a junkie”?
These really are reasonable questions you should ask yourself before you assume all people that do A are like _________.
Really? So drug-related warfare doesn’t count? Maybe not a direct cause of death, but marijuana sure does kill in that context. You buy your weed from somewhere, that’s a dealer, you think he got his supply from his yard?? There’s a network of drugs, and marijuana is one of them. Unless you grow your own, don’t give another dime to the crime syndicates that bring it and other drugs here. If we don’t provide the market, then that’s a step- albeit too small, but it’s something. Buying weed means supporting the network of individuals who are killing our young men. Want blood on your hands? Then go right ahead and smoke what you want.
It’s called an INDIRECT result. And you make a great point, the reason this indirect death occurs is because of a profitable highly enticing black market. If their were no black market, they wouldn’t be ANY indirect deaths from drug-related warfare in regard to weed. Your point drives home exactly why it shouldn’t be illegal. Take away the black market, you take away their money, you take away their money, you have no organization.
Precisely- and I agree that weed should be legal, but the reality right now is that it’s not. Campaigning for legalization and fighting the war against drug crimes and gangs are two very distantly related efforts. I’ll agree with legalization, but to my last breath I disagree with flouting the law because it shouldn’t apply to me, etc.- thanks for your commment.
Never once have I recommended that anyone flout the law and I think everybody understands that it’s illegal and that is enough reason to stay away from it for me. That does NOT mean we can not maturely debate WHY it is illegal and the hypocrisy behind it.
Just in case you didn’t know a written perscription by a physian in Bermuda is not honored in another country especially if it is considered illegal. So because the perscription was faxed it does not change Bermuda’s laws. Nice try Mr. Pettingal, you should know better. SHAME ON YOU.
Shame on her really? more like she made a bad decision. shame on her for bringing her medicine with her?
Yea Pettingal was doing his job.
LOL
Honestly Warner went way over the top too… She should have been given her medicine in a nice little plastic bag and then sent back through US customs at the airport and then back to the US whence she came… Let the US deal with their own and foot the bill too…
Mind you if Pettingill had gon for deportation then he would probabbly not get the chance to appeal…
GUNS ARE ILLEGAL IN BERMUDA RIGHT….BUT…WE HAVE A LEGAL GUN CLUB IN BERMUDA WERE GROWN MEN ARE ALLOWED TO SHOOT (NOT TALKING ABOUT BERMUDA REGIMENT OR GANGBANGERS)…THERE IS AN OFFICIAL GUN CLUB IN BERMUDA…LOOK IT UP
WHY THERE IS NOT A GANJA CLUB IN BERMUDA WHERE GROWN MEN ARE ALLOWED TO SMOKE?
TOTAL HYPOCRISY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No, I don’t smoke at all but damn….where is the equality!!?!?!?
I HATE BERMDAS LAWS MAN YOU ARE SO RITE !!!
You are righter than right , egual rights and justice for all men kind .
that’s a good look for Bermuda’s Tourism !!!! Keep up the great work D*** Heads!!
Yes first stop JAIL we guarantee your stay will be okay as room and board is paid the gym is air conditioned and you get 3 meals a day the rest of your time is well your time…………
LOL why isn’t the Ministry capitalizing on this
Son: Where’s Grandma?
Dad: She’s in jail in Bermuda for having drugs in her possession.
Son: Wow dad. It must be very strict there in Bermuda. I bet murderers get sentenced to death regularly.
Dad: I’m not sure about that son. I get the impression they spend more time chasing stoners than killers.
Son: Where’s Bermuda again? Russia?
Dad: Might as well be
POINTLESS COMMENT!!!! The Terry Godmother!
i like it…just goes to show the wrong direction or Justice System has taken
i like it too
me too very accurate
LOL
Although I don’t agree with the sentencing, anyone traveling to a foreign country with a substance that is illegal in most parts of the world should do a little research first. A state law is just that and she should have known she could get in trouble.
WORD! spoken like a truly smart human being.
Honestly Warner went way over the top too… She should have been given her medicine in a nice little plastic bag and then sent back through US customs at the airport and then back to the US whence she came… Let the US deal with their own and foot the bill too…
Mind you if Pettingill had gone for deportation then he would probabbly not get the chance to appeal…
I think marijuana should be decriminalized for small personal but she did have a lot in her case. I don’t agree with the 30days in jail part though.
do you even know what qualifies as alot??? no you don’t, maybe she smokes it all in one or two days… you don’t know her situation or the quality of her cannabis… do a little research and find out that different people require different amounts of thc and other cannabinoids
35 grams!! did you read the article?? she ain’t smoking that in 2 days
Oh well she’s dumb. She knows the law here. Too bad for her. Jail is a bit much though, damn.
someone should slap u in the mouth for even writing that
hahahahahaha
LOL
Also @”LOL (original)” violence against women is so very hilarious huh? You are herpers, you just won’t go away the way you follow me around on bernews. Loser.
It is funny and your very ignorant to open yourself up to said slapping like you do on almost every thread your in. You like people to think your the victum but I posted here first so why you following me around. Loser
LOL
Ignorant how? For voicing my opinion like everyone Mr. Racist?
Did I reply to you though? Nooo. I don’t pay any name on here any mind. I don’t even remember half of them. You are no one to me but somehow every-time I post you are right behind me replying. And how were you here first when my first comment was May 25th 2011 4:45pm and yours was May 26th 2011 10:20am. Idiot.
How about you try it realestvoice? Let’s see what happens.
So did the “gentleman” who was deemed “too important” to Bermuda’s Business interest to be prosecuted for bringing in more than this lady did! Bermuda has different laws for different strata’s of society….Hypocrisy!!!
Mmmmkay…
If I remeber correctly he had a joint might be wrong but I sure it was less than 35g.
I’ll see if I can find it.
LOL
i remember that!
what a dyam shame…
Honestly Warner went way over the top too… She should have been given her medicine in a nice little plastic bag and then sent back through US customs at the airport and then back to the US whence she came… Let the US deal with their own and foot the bill too…
This is so not RIGHT!!! Clearly this is Medical!!! They need to decriminalize Weed anyway!!!!
Marijuana was first recorded for medical use in China over 4,700 years ago. You could say we’re a little behind the times, but in reality it’s only illegal because of the medical industry and their provision of synthesized remedies that have numerous side effects making them billions of dollars each year.
In the USA medical marijuana is legal in 11 states, it’s taxable and is also Americas second most profitable crop.
I can see the judge’s perspective, but I fail to see a link with a precedence set in relation to a persons religious rite. How is that even close to a persons rites to medication or medical treatment? I fail to see any bearing on this case and a judge too afraid to set a precedence for want of ridicule.
I ask, if it were legal, or decriminalized what impact would this have on crime and gangs in taking away from them their main business and source of income? Let the cops focus on the hard drugs and murders rather than wasting public money on unnecessary court cases and police time locking up our tourists.
Not only do I feel it should be legalized for medical reasons et al, but in some instances the consumption of it should be mandatory!
“Marijuana was first recorded for medical use in China over 4,700 years ago.”
You know, that statement is absolute nonsense.
@crazytalk
Why is it nonsense? Because the bible says that the world hasn’t been around that long? I bet you don’t believe in evolution either Lol
More like de-evolution but any way……………
LOL
It’s a fact actually! 2727BC first recorded use for medical purposes.
“Which century”, thanks for responding civily, I appreciate that.
It is actually debatable at best. The idea that marijuana might have been used at that time springs from the finding of an ancient body in the Yanghai Tombs. Very near the body was a basket containing some cannabis. There has been speculation that the cannabis might have been used for a medicinal purpose, but of course the other theory, probably more likely, is that the guy just liked getting high. The historical significance of the find is that it’s the first known use for a purpose other than hemp.
Having said all that, the sentence seemed harsh. I don’t know how much we agree on, but I assume we agree on that.
Ok, it was a harsh sentence. Granted, the amount she had, in Bermuda, is quite a lot, out here in Cali, its very little.
By medical prescription, you are allowed to possess up to a quarter pound, on your person. Now… most people only go around with an 1/8th, or a 1/4oz. But anyone who uses it medically, normally buys a lot at once, just like refilling your prescription of pills at the pharmacy.
The jail sentence was over the top. The fine, yes. Not because the drug is bad, just because she should’ve known to check the laws. Especially coming from Cali. She was dumb, and she has to pay, maybe a little too much, but hey.
Bottom line is, its illegal in Bermy, and she should’ve done some research. I’ve been arrested twice for possession in Bermuda, and know, not to carry it around with me. It doesn’t stop me from smoking, but it did make me sensible about it.
awesome comment! your open minded smart person! stay FREE
Wow, I hope I don’t get nabbed by U.S. Customs the next time I leave the island with my locally prescribed medication which is not approved for use in the States by the FDA due to increased heart attack risk.
Seriously, if it is a prescribed medicine, and only being used as such it should be allowed. Sure as soon as she tried to sell or share a joint she should have been booked, but simply possession of a medically prescribed drug… There are a lot of much more dangerous and controlled drugs which are allowed right through. Even drugs like 222 and some cough syrups which we sell on the shelf here are illegal in the US, but heck they still don’t allow Cuban cigars there so go figure.
We need to have a serious rethink of our policies with regard to honoring the practices of the home countries of those visiting us, it is a big world out there and if their practices do not directly cause a problem here then it should be respected, especially when it is someones medical treatment so that they are comfortable enough to visit us here. Check out that disease she has, sounds uncomfortable.
How much is she going to suffer additionally while imprisoned for 30 days?
From someone who suffers from Meniere’s disease, it is uncomfortable, disorienting, painful and debilating at times. Not a nice thing to go through with out any medication. I pray that they atleast offer this woman alternative meds. They should just send her home.
According to Wikipedia here are some treatments:
“Because Ménière’s cannot be cured, treatments focus more on addressing symptoms. In extreme cases, it is necessary to destroy vestibular hair cells with the antibiotic streptomycin or to remove the affected labyrinth surgically in order to relieve severe vertigo. Patients are sometimes treated by the insertion of a shunt that diverts excess endolymph directly to the cerebrospinal fluid, a procedure that is not always effective. Typical remedies to improve symptoms may include:[30]
Antihistamines considered antiemetics such as meclozine and dimenhydrinate
Antiemetic drugs such as trimethobenzamide.
Antivertigo/antianxiety drugs such as betahistine and diazepam.
Herbal remedies such as ginger root.[31]”
It also suggests reducing stress through yoga and tai chi!
In case anyone wants to check the reference and find out more here is the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A9ni%C3%A8re's_disease
absolutely ridiculous… the judge should be sentenced to prison for being a complete imbecile
Now that’s the best comment I’ve seen so far!
@My Two Cents. I agree with you about the need to research when taking a foreign trip anywhere. How about researching when travelling to another state in the Union for goodness sakes!
Look up this link.. http://ask.yahoo.com/20030718.html.
This shows that only 10 states consider medical marijuana legal. Does anyone know what will happen if you turn up in a state that does not recognise medical marijuana?
Marijuana IS also illegal in a large percentage of countries….respect the local laws especially if you are a tourist. To do otherwise is to show arrogance. Try showing up in Singapore and see what happens.
This is absolute insanity! Archie Warner should be impeached! Wait until the California newspapers hear about this! And she was a frequent visitor as well.
The laws regarding cannabis prohibition, both here and abroad, are based on lies, racism, and the vested interests of the United States Criminal Justice Industry & Big Pharma who keep this farce going. In reality, the continuing prohibition of cannabis is an abomination of justice, considering the research that has been done proving that the drug is not dangerous at all but, in fact, beneficial to mankind. So is hemp.
@Starman. Where does racism come into the argument about cannabis production?
This can start an interesting conversation.
I don’t wanna go too deep because something’s are beyond normal human comprehension. The racism that starman is talking about has to do with why marijuana was criminalized! It was used as way to control Mexican immigrants and black people in the south. The documentary called The History of Marijuana explains a lot of this and goes into details and methods used by the government think tanks. A MUST SEE FOR ALL!!!!
Who gives a damn what the California newspapers have to say? That’s another problem Americans always think they can do what they want. You better believe if a Bermudian tried that when entering a state that’s it’s illegal in they’d be jailed or fined as well. “Medical” or not.
You my dear are angry about something else, all the time.
Yup angry at stupidity “geza wolf” you from Jamaica mon?
Nicole you added the stupid part is that how you feel about yourself?
LOL
No it’s how I feel about your moms. You mad?
See that why people want to slap you and no I’m not mad my moms has been pasted for many years now and she is still smarter that you.
LOL
No im from bermuda, your thinking of Gaza which is actually in palestine.
TO THE OBA…IF YOU WANT TO BECOME THE NEXT GOVERNMENT…ADDRESS THE HYPOCRISIES THAT EXIST IN THIS ISLAND!!!!
I can not believe this women is in jail !!!! my God all she had was marijuana for her own medical use !!!!!!!! Lord have mercy all she had was a bit of weed !!!
And we have people being let off for breaking and entering. murder … and some of our corrupt politicians who are still ripping us off…
I was shocked to hear our premier say she is looking for a job for Rolf Commisiong !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!exactly how long was his contract with his buddy Brown ? and why is Heather Jacobs allowing this to happen ?
If she is a frequent visitor, chances are she is here on business. I think given the circumstances here (legitimate medical condition and need, and I guess she doesn’t have any previous convictions) that a fine would have been enough.
Bermuda has really become an un-welcomed place to visit. You come through harsher scrutiny at the airport arrival, then gotta deal with unfriendly people who got a grudge because you are a foreigner, then worry about getting robbed/shot at….I mean, at least in Jamaica you can burn a spliff and relax about it…but here??
You haven’t traveled overseas much? Almost every airport is that way. No one has ever been nice to me when traveling overseas. I don’t care either because I know they are doing their job and I’m not looking for a nice conversation and friendship.
I travel much honey, but i never have to go thru an airport feeling like i’m a target like I do here…
And no one has ever targeted you like here? Hmm right. I’ve never been “targeted” coming back home, whatever that means. They are only doing their job.
They are only doing there job but I have to say the experience of going through Customs at LF Wade is by far the worst I’ve ever endured in near 40 years of air travel.
I’m sure there are many like me who are speechless with anger every time they land here then spend 1.5 hours queuing and having receipts scrutinised. I bear the officers no malice but the system sucks like a Dyson.
That was off topic but I agree with you Nicole. She knew weed was illegal before trying to bring it in here. Maybe this was a set up? A fall guy to try to test the legal system?
@ next?
People get scrutinised because Bermudians have a tendency to not declare everything when they come through the airport. How you gone say you only bought $200 worth of stuff when you’ve been gone for 3 days and have 4 suitcases? If customs in Bermuda didn’t go over receipts thoroughly, Bermuda would lose 1/3 of it’s economy.
Do to lack of options and stupidly high prices it looses that anyway.
LOL
NO DOUBT. So true!
you sound like a customs officer, is HM customs job to stop drugs and guns coming in the island? or terrorize people trying to buy items overseas to save a bit a money from the rubbish prices and products they sell here
They have never been nice to me when i travel either. on a trip to a european destination I was searched three times in one day. that lady should have checked the laws (regardless of her medical use). and the same would have applied to us in the United States or wherever.
You dont get that nmuch time for murder in Bermuda do you????
I know why Marijuana is illegal. Folks can easily grow it virtually anywhere and It’ll take away significant business from the tobacco, liquor and cotton industry.
The effects it has is no better or worse than regular cigarettes or booze, yet THEY are legal, for taxation reasons.
The only way Marijuana will become legalized is if/when our government learns how to profit on it themselves…but that takes something our government doesn’t have…brains. Otherwise there’d be a lot less gun violence.
Your all missing the point and speaking with emotions. It’s fine to and lrgal to possess the drug et al with prescriptions and on and in domicile to and from.
It is not legal to bring it with you wherever you go. Stop talking s%$t. The individual knew /knows the laws of travel and where it is illegal. The prescription/possession applies to limited areas et al.
I agree to an extent it should be ‘de-criminalised’ but for Gods sake…..get real.
It’s like saying a junkie after 20 years on heroin on annother drug that is helping them to get off can just carry/import/export/posses………
I don’t give a s%$t what you think. You think about it.
Walk into your local bar and light up a spliff and the room is full of the aroma and someone calls the police whilst you sit there with your six inch long joint because you have a medical problem and knowone else can possess it/smoke it.
S%$t….I need a doctor and a lawyer……still illegal and so it should be.
Terry you’ve obviously miss the point….You can’t compare Weed to Heroin.
Just think, if Michael Jackson smoked weed to sleep, he’d still be alive.
Because it’s illegal doesn’t mean its bad…Men in suits made it illegal…Most men in suits are starting to realize that weed isn’t bad after all and should be de-criminalised.
FYI Terry…Weed does not kill….Fact
“Just think, if Michael Jackson smoked weed to sleep, he’d still be alive.”
I hope you were joking with that bs.
Nicole, you got to be joking if you missed what I was trying to say.
Do you even know what killed MJ?!?…It wasn’t weed
I do I just don’t know what Michael Jackson and his death has to do with anything. Its just such a random thing to compare to. I get what you are saying now though.
GPS, you seem to have lost track of all what has been said here.
Litterally, no. But the proceeds and corruption do which become part and parcial to it all.
Enjoy your weed and bitch about the omes that bring it into the community.
Next your gonna tell me that all these deaths of young and middle aged men had to do with Triminghams closing down, and they would’nt be see seen in pink shorts…..
QUO FATA PLP UNT…………………………….
Proceeds and corruption….uumm if loquats were illegal, you’ll have people smuggling them too….
Don’t be fooled by the words from men in suits (a.k.a. Bad investors)….damn, aren’t they the reason why the world is like it is?!?
I don’t recall Bob Marley being a bad man.
FYI…I’m no weed smoker
GPS, why would someone smuggle loquats. They came from bird droppings. They are local. Weed just happened to float here, fal from the sky…why does it not grow island wide, in back yards……why oh why……..
Shucks…Gotta ban easter lillies….cedar trees,
Is your ‘men in suits’ remark (something heard quite often) somehow related to starman’s suspicions of ‘racism’ ?
RABBL RABBL RABBL
Well, as all stated above, she should have done her homework on the laws of the country….and I’m sure someone here could have supplied her “medical” urges and need. Hell, I tell anyone I meet from other countries that would like to visit here….DONT TEST THE ANTI-DRUG LAWS……u will be caught out. That ‘lil doggie’ sits down beside you @ Freddie Wade Int. airport…he’s not begging you for a treat.(well really the dog is) but, your done….
35 grams is a lot and the fact that it was medicinal should have no bearing on the case. You do the crime, you do the time.
Let’s just call a spade a spade and agree the medical marijuana movement is a privledge to which 99% of those to whom the privledge is extended are stoners abusing the system. The abuse is why 98% of prescriptions are for ”pain” rather than the conditions for which marijuana is proven most effective.
haha you need to get ya facts str8 bra. herb has been proven to “alleviate” pain when taken for medicinal issues to be proven most effective. chemo ain’t painful?? lol
gin and tonic would do the same
I agree with you Andrew.
Some of u lot r a bunch a jokers. How u know if she REALLY knew our laws/didn’t know dem….did you talk to her personally?!?! lmao…you think if she really knew what was goin to happen she woulda brought dat in? even wit a prescription…lol
Well she’s still dumb. I’m sure she knows that marijuana is illegal in a lot of places and the smart thing to do would be to check. Especially knowing you can be arrested, jailed or fined for it. And please they said she’s a frequent visitor she knows the law. You are the only joker here.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Yup – I know it stinks a bit, but that is the law. What of course IS strange is that this lady may not be committing an offence in California because of State laws, but wherever she is in the US, she is always in breach of Federal law.
Maybe she should have thought a little about whether Bermuda would be much different to the US – at Federal level.
what happens if she gets sick in jail and needs her medication?
Ha! I was thinking the same thing O I C!
I’m smh at how ppl are still calling it a drug. If colly was legal in Bermy, tourism would boost. If colly was decriminalized you would also have less of our blk man in jail. I just hope that some day all those who hate on this harmless plant will not end up needing it – its not just used for smoking either, you can actually make material from this plant as well…YAH HEMP! All the herbal teas in our stores, we might as well make them illegal too, yes some of them you CAN smoke. If you wanna get all strict, I feel that you should be only allowed a certain amount, if you go over that amount then get fined NOT jailed. We’re all ‘hummin and hauln’ over gun crime…what you think SOME of these disturbed mentalities are high up on???
Point blank colly just needs to be illegal everywhere….what’s the big deal?
Good point Bermyshotta……..
Very valid. Harry Potter is caught at the LF Wade Hairport with 14 grams of Plootonium….. Not illegal…………………………
Then again, I guess Piglet of the Yard caught them………
Anyway, re-drawing the borders…Paget is now part of Warwick and Pembroke gets a 2 % of Devonshire and…….
Are some of you mad? …Well of to JFK via Pha….then off to London with a six pack of 20 oz per roll. I have a prescription and the dogs/monitors don’t care……Amongst that weed I have is a portion of ‘Sm(874) which can be used to make……………………………………………………………………..
She took a Gamble and …You know .. Well It didn”t turn out good
“The Hemp War Conspiracy” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu7q_-R5NX0&feature=player_embedded
I wonder if we will see her on that show “Locked up Abroad”
Her fault and good for Bermuda to uphold the law. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and she should have known better. She may have been given a pass, though I doubt it.
Anyway, not like she will be doing hard time.
Some people on that show had done years before they were even tried.
You must mean “Locked up in the best hotel Abroad”
So does anyone remember the american tourist that ‘forgot’ she left her bullets in her carry on bag? Well she got off and was sent back home. Now this tourist has weed and she gets 30 days in jail?? What’s this message really saying ! That to have weed is worse?? Makes no sense.
Let’s not forget about the expatriate that got into drunk driving accident driving on other side of road in his work truck and KILLED a man. How much jail time did he do? Oh wait he got to go back home.
Nothing more frightening that a wishy washy judicial system.
Hogwash!
Bermuda’s Judicial System (among other hopeless systems)goes through such measures to cover up the crimes. They should be solving instead of sweeping under the rug. Okay so what that she didn’t do her homework & brought it in. The woman has a damn prescription for Pete’s sake. Let it go. Give her a fine for bringing it if you really need to & leave her alone. You would think the prescription was for a smaller amount than what she had or something SO bad. Y’all focus & try to make examples of stupid crap. How about sort out the IMPORTANT things; housing, employment, finance. THANK YOU
Ignorance is bliss indeed. Marijuana is not illegal because it is dangerous or because our government is looking out for our health and well being. It is illegal because of the American chemical and textile industries. The by products of this plant are numerous and it is the fastest growing annual out there (green house effect reversal anyone).
it is no coincidence that cannabis started to be looked at as bad thing when america was moving from agricultural revolution into the industrial revolution.
So with billions of dollars at stake you can understand why it is demonized and made to seem bad. Google the name “Anslinger” and then read some books and you will find out how the U.S.A. used its powers to bully over 130 countries into signing a treaty that made cannabis illegal ( like bermuda).
Remember people have been using the cannabis plant for 10′s of thousands of years(food, medicine, rope, clothing, etc). It has only been illegal for 40 plus years.
Think people think. we either want tourist or we don’t, let’s make up our mind already!!! and stop being parrots and get the facts.
At the end of the day I feel for this lady (who could be my mother) and am really embarrassed at how we resolved this. So Archaic
actually longer than 40 years closer to 100 but the point is still valid
I wonder how much Pettingill got paid for this brilliant defense he provided?
In some countries she could have spent years in Jail or probably executed.(Well maybe not executed) but you get my point.
hahaha and those are countries that are appealing to you as a destination? I didnt’t think so.
Cannabis is illegal in Bermuda and when travelling to other countries one should always check the local laws.
If Cannabis is against the law, however outdated and ill advised that law it is, and whether you agree with it or not, don’t do it. Don’t challenge this archaic system even if you have a prescription or not. It’s not worth it.
Bermuda needs to decriminalize, regulate and profit.
On February 27 of this year Senator Marc Bean said he was looking into decriminalizing Cannabis along the same lines as the clean, vibrant, bustling city of Amsterdam.
He said:
“Mr Bean said: “For some that might be an extreme case but at the least we need to stop, if we can, when our cruise ships come to port sending our Customs officers on board the cruise ships, going into the private cabins and arresting people for having 0.1 grams of cannabis.”
He said some people paid for their cruise ticket and part of the “experience”, outside of shows and drinking, was to enjoy some marijuana.
Mr Bean said putting these people before the courts and slapping them with a hefty fine only meant that they would forgo Bermuda, in favour of destinations with more relaxed views on smoking.
“I know it sounds extreme, but if we have matured and want to make sure we have food on our table that is one thing we have to consider.””
Bernews – how about contacting Senator Bean and getting a comment about this 59 year old tourist?
I wont be going to Burmuda! Having been diagnosed with stage 3 stomach cancer in December of 09 and gone thru 7 months of chemo, 25 rounds of radiation and removal of 75% of my stomach. I use approximatly 6 grames of cannabis a day to stimulate my appitite, reduce nausea and pain. Cannabis has been the most effective drug in helping me cope, and yes I have tried many. To all the people who think this lady deserves this sentence, WAKE UP! Happy to be Canadian!
if weed is so bad in Bermuda why were guys standing at City Hall on 24 of May rolling Joints and smoking them with the police ten feet away ???? if i’m correct didnt a lawyer bring two loaded guns into the island not to long ago i mean he had a liscence and all but the guns were still illegal!!! i mean for everyone who opposes weed in this island, im sure you know someone who smokes what if you was to throw all the weed smokers in Bermuda in jail would Bermuda be the same, i mean would Bermuda even survive…. and everbody wants to talk about weed smoking like cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking is any better???? and you have to remember that the main reason marijauna is illegal is because governments make tons of money every year on perscription drugs…… Maybe Bermuda needs to stand up, stand out, be above the rest of the world and there problems and Bermuda be Bermuda then maybe people would appreciate us rather then us just d*** riding america and england all day…. something to think about
@JUST SAYN!!! – haha real talk bra.
Yuh cant play MAS and fraid powder, the moral of this story “Do your home work first” dont think for a moment that because it might be legal in California that it’s legal in some other part of the world, she got what she deserved she should count her lucky stars that it’s not somewhere else where the penalty is DEATH….here endth the lesson.
I don’t know what all the hipe is all about!! Marijuana is illegal in Bermuda!! Pure and simple!! As a regular visitor she should have known better!! IF it were truely for medical reasons, then she should have done some research before jumping on the plane!!
Cannabis is illegal in Bermuda and when traveling to other countries one should always check the local laws.
If Cannabis is against the law, however outdated and ill advised that law is, and whether you agree with it or not, don’t do it. Don’t challenge this archaic system even if you have a prescription or not. It’s not worth it.
Bermuda needs to decriminalize, regulate and profit.
On February 27 of this year, in a story published by the RG, Senator Marc Bean said he was looking into decriminalizing Cannabis along the same lines as the clean, vibrant, bustling city of Amsterdam.
“Mr Bean said: “For some that might be an extreme case but at the least we need to stop, if we can, when our cruise ships come to port sending our Customs officers on board the cruise ships, going into the private cabins and arresting people for having 0.1 grams of cannabis.”
He said some people paid for their cruise ticket and part of the “experience”, outside of shows and drinking, was to enjoy some marijuana.
Mr Bean said putting these people before the courts and slapping them with a hefty fine only meant that they would forgo Bermuda, in favour of destinations with more relaxed views on smoking.
“I know it sounds extreme, but if we have matured and want to make sure we have food on our table that is one thing we have to consider.””
The whole story is here:
http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20110227/NEWS01/702269997
Bernews – how about contacting Senator Bean and getting a comment about this 59 year old tourist and Senator Beans progress?
“The History of Marijuana “http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sknoKWsVlAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sknoKWsVlAA
you guys have to find out why they made it illegal back in the day,, check it out
For all of you who are so keen to have marijuana decriminalized, don’t complain when your surgeon, pilot, dentist, etc….screw up their jobs and maim you somehow because they’re “high” and not breaking the law when they mess up their procedures because of it. After all, if it’s OK for you, then it’s OK for them.
Is it legal for these proceedures to be done while drunk just saying. You are ok with a druck surgeon or pilot come now be real..
LOL
I don’t beleive those professions are required to be randomly or selectively screened for drugs. Who is to say they aren’t already doing a marvoulous job while enjoying all nature of illicite goodies in their free time.
So what about mal practice laws these don’t apply..
LOL
Reading all these comments made me realize how ignorant people in Bermuda are about Cannabis use… sadly the mass’ dismiss Cannabis activists as “WEED heads” even though Alcohol and tobacco which is legal contributes to MILLIONS of deaths a year….
Who’s the dummy now..
Cannabis and the use and MEDICAL BENEFITS were legal back in the day in the US & all over the world. However the CORRUPT CORPORATE world made it ILLEGAL so they can make money off us. (Clothing , pharmaceutical etc.)
It is used today for MANY medical use’s
Like I ALWAYS have stated BERMUDA DO YOUR RESEARCH!
STOP listening blindly to what your politicians say!
WE ARE ALL intelligent bacons of light & collectively we can all make POSITIVE changes.
In 2001, there were 331 alcohol overdose deaths and 0 marijuana overdose deaths. Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Source: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5337a2.htm
Excessive alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States and is associated with multiple adverse health consequences, including liver cirrhosis, various cancers, unintentional injuries, and violence.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported 20,687 “alcohol-induced deaths” (excluding accidents and homicides) in 2003. Source: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm
The CDC has no reports of “marijuana-induced deaths.”
About 3 million violent crimes occur each year in which victims perceive the offender to have been drinking at the time of the offense.
Two-thirds of victims who suffered violence by an intimate (a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend) reported that alcohol had been a factor.
Among spouse victims, 3 out of 4 incidents were reported to have involved an offender who had been drinking. Source: U.S. Department of Justice. Bureau of Justice Statistics. National Crime Victimization Survey 2002.
A Harvard School of Public Heath study found that 72 percent of college rapes occurred when the female was too intoxicated by alcohol to resist/consent. Source: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/cas/Documents/rapeintox-pressRelease/
Alcohol use contributes to reckless behavior and serious injuries, and it is highly associated with emergency room visits, whereas marijuana use does not contribute to such behavior and injuries, and is seldomly associated with emergency room visits.
“Cannabis differs from alcohol … in one major respect. It does not seem to increase risk-taking behavior. This means that cannabis rarely contributes to violence either to others or to oneself, whereas alcohol use is a major factor in deliberate self-harm, domestic accidents and violence.” Source: British Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, 2002.
Revelations 22:2
The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Nuff said….
Revelation 22:2 (King James Version)
“In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
They are talking about the tree of life, in this paradise not some cannabis plant.
Such a tree there was in the earthly paradise, Gen. 2:9. This far excels it. And now, as to this tree, observe:
1. The situation of it—in the midst of the street, and on either side the river; or, as might have been better rendered, in the midst between the terrace-walk and the river. This tree of life is fed by the pure waters of the river that comes from the throne of God. The presence and perfections of God furnish out all the glory and blessedness of heaven.
2. The fruitfulness of this tree. (1.) It brings forth many sorts of fruit—twelve sorts, suited to the refined taste of all the saints. (2.) It brings forth fruit at all times—yields its fruit every month. This tree is never empty, never barren; there is always fruit upon it. In heaven there is not only a variety of pure and satisfying pleasures, but a continuance of them, and always fresh. (3.) The fruit is not only pleasant, but wholesome. The presence of God in heaven is the health and happiness of the saints; there they find in him a remedy for all their former maladies, and are preserved by him in the most healthful and vigorous state.
The bible has NOTHING to do with anything.
Here is a woman almost 60 years old, probably has money, probably has been smoking weed for most of her life living in California.
She comes to Bermuda to have a good time, not to deal, not to join a gang, but to spend money and enjoy Bermuda.
A magistrate locks her up fines her $3000. Then we the Bermudian tax payer pay for her incarceration, when she gets out she goes home and tells all her wealthy American friends, don’t go to Bermuda.
Bermuda has to grow up and decriminalize marijuana. Step into the future and be pro active, small amounts on a visitor do not threaten our society and are not gang related. They are for personal use for an individual, if they feel like it, to have a good time in our island.
Tourism is bad enough without this kind of publicity. What was the magistrate thinking?
She had no right to bring it here though as it is illegal.
Agree or disagree, the law is the law and you have to follow it.
And as someone so perfectly put above in a previous comment:
“We must abide by those laws until they are changed, or else continue to fuel the criminal economy that leads to turf wars and dead young men.”
Apparently we are ok with the later.
LOL
hahaha you should know the richest people in the world don’t obey laws.
Laws are for poor people.
The Judge should be locked up for giving this sentence . The fine should have been more than enough for this mistake .Will she be put on the American stop list like me ( I had 1.30grams 26 years ago.$135 fine)and not allowed to go back to America .
Well is she American? How is she going to be put on a stop list?
Mark why should his Lordship be put in jail for passing sentence on a person who was clearly guilty?
He was doing his job.
Also: If you are on the stop list you can get a waiver from the US Consul General to allow re-admittance to the US of A. It takes an hour of your time.