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 of same does not exceed 20 grams [0.7oz]…”
Speaking at a press conference today, Senator Daniels said, “There appears to be a tidal wave of change taking place with our neighbors to our West and South regarding cannabis and cannabis usage. Some US States are making cannabis legal for both medicinal purposes as well as recreational use.
“The question is whether Bermuda wants to wait until all of our neighbors make changes, or will we be bold enough to chart a new destiny and seek new ways of generating revenue; perhaps with an influx of tourists and/or from local taxes and license fees. The possibilities are endless if we only dare to be different and seize the moment as opposed to playing catch up.”
“It is our position that there has already been much discussion in the public domain in support of bringing an end to treating simple possession of small amounts of cannabis as a criminal offence; and therefore we wish to move that such ‘change’ can be advanced with the ‘urgency of now’, not as a matter of “shared sacrifice” but in the true spirit of doing what is right.
Senator Daniels continued, “To that end, the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party has drafted the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2014, which we shall seek to table in the House of Assembly at the next day of business in February 2014.
“The proposed Bill shall seek to remove the criminality for simple possession of cannabis under the prescribed limit, which is already deemed to be 20 grams of cannabis under the current legislative framework.
“If the Government in its wisdom feels that a lesser amount should be applied, we would be willing to discuss and if need be, debate and amend this issue at a later stage; but for now, it is our position that this simple change will alleviate many families’ concerns for their offspring, regardless of their age; and it may alleviate any trauma and stress for our visitors who come into possession of cannabis while they are on island.”
Senator Daniel’s full statement follows below:
Bermudians, residents and guest visitors alike, who have been caught with small amounts of cannabis, have suffered life altering and devastating consequences for far too long. Bermudians have been prohibited from traveling to the United States and Canada, we have had our reputations smeared and job prospects shattered due to convictions for simple possession of cannabis.
It is especially sad to frequently witness these statistics, especially among many of our youth on what seems like a weekly basis. However, it cannot be said that the cannabis issue is limited to indiscretions and lapses in judgment. Many individuals have been caught with small amounts of cannabis on repeated occasions,willing to take the risks in the same manner as some of our forefathers did when consuming alcohol during America’s prohibition.
For years we have seen court decisions result in different outcomes, which in turn has raised question marks in the public domain; based on perceptions of racial, age or gender bias, which are further exacerbated by what many perceive as class or economic distinctions.
While we accept that the media does not report all details of a particular case, upon which Judges contemplate, in order to reach their ultimate decision or ruling; it is clear from various media reports, and the pulse of the country that there is a wide perception that similar cases are treated differently based on an individual’s last name, place of residence or profession, which in turn fosters a culture of lack of respect or understanding for the court process generally.
While we fully respect the separation of the Legislature and the Judiciary and the discretion afforded to sentencing judges, our position is that there need be greater uniformity in terms of the application of the law in certain circumstances. It is our opinion that cannabis use transcends race, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, class and political affiliations, etc. And while we accept that ignorance of the law is no excuse, we appreciate the sentiment shared by many, that an unjust law is not good law.
There appears to be a tidal wave of change taking place with our neighbors to our West and South regarding cannabis and cannabis usage. Some US States are making cannabis legal for both medicinal purposes as well as recreational use.
The question is whether Bermuda wants to wait until all of our neighbors make changes, or will we be bold enough to chart a new destiny and seek new ways of generating revenue; perhaps with an influx of tourists and/or from local taxes and license fees. The possibilities are endless if we only dare to be different and seize the moment as opposed to playing catch up.
As the Loyal Opposition, the PLP cannot advance any legislative action that involves revenue for the government; however, we have not let this stop our ability to play an active role in ensuring that the interests of the community are being met fairly, justly and with expedience, when appropriate.
In 2012, the PLP promised in our election platform that we would seek to end the unnecessary criminalization of all of Bermuda’s residents and guests and find new ways to regulate cannabis usage in Bermuda.
In the Government’s 2013 Speech from the Throne, the One Bermuda Alliance has also expressed their willingness to discuss this issue openly and honestly.
While we welcome the OBA for taking the lead in creating an island wide discussion with town hall meetings and presentations to come, we feel that such discussions should be limited to the aspects of legalization and/or regulation; and that decisions concerning decriminalization, or de-penalizing small amounts of cannabis, should take place with immediate effect as there is an overwhelming level of support for such initiatives based on the feedback we have heard within our community that reflects the sentiment and contemporary mindset of our people today.
It is our position that there has already been much discussion in the public domain in support of bringing an end to treating simple possession of small amounts of cannabis as a criminal offence; and therefore we wish to move that such “change” can be advanced with the “urgency of now”, not as a matter of “shared sacrifice” but in the true spirit of doing what is right.
To that end, the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party has drafted the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2014, which we shall seek to table in the House of Assembly at the next day of business in February 2014.
The proposed Bill shall seek to remove the criminality for simple possession of cannabis under the prescribed limit, which is already deemed to be 20 grams of cannabis under the current legislative framework.
If the Government in its wisdom feels that a lesser amount should be applied, we would be willing to discuss and if need be, debate and amend this issue at a later stage; but for now, it is our position that this simple change will alleviate many families’ concerns for their offspring, regardless of their age; and it may alleviate any trauma and stress for our visitors who come into possession of cannabis while they are on island.
Many will no doubt question why such moves were not undertaken during our 14 years as Government, but I wish to remind the public that MP Ashfield Devent has spoken on cannabis extensively while he served the community, as well as our current Party Leader, who addressed these issues in his maiden speech as an MP. These, and other brave voices ultimately lead to our Previous Leader including such an action plan in our Election Platform.
Under the leadership of the Hon. Marc A. R. Bean, JP MP, the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party has committed itself to bring about a new vision and a new energy to help move Bermuda forward.
We have demonstrated progressive thinking under his Leadership in our Replies to the Throne Speech as well as our Replies to the Budget Statement. We have supported much that the OBA has sought to pass into legislation and we have not sought to criticize for the sake of criticism; despite the sound bites that often shape this perception as reality.
In November last year, we attempted to bring a Bill to abolish conscription, which was met with contempt and ridicule by the OBA Members of the House of Assembly.
We simultaneously drafted this decriminalization Bill, which we had intended to table during the last Parliamentary Session. However, based on the OBA’s approach to the conscription Bill, we considered it necessary to take a different approach and afford the government more time to reflect on our proposed amendments.
Therefore, in an effort to avoid such confrontation going forward, we have sought to advance our proposed amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act in an effort to work with the OBA Government so that they may review this draft Bill critically on its merits; and where possible, provide further amendments, if necessary, to ensure that the Bill represents the voice of the majority of our community.
We hope that the OBA does not merely block the Bill that we are seeking to bring forward. We are all aware and respect, that the OBA is our government; however, where the law and the Rules of the House of Assembly enable us to be proactive, we shall seek to take steps that no Opposition has undertaken in the past, by advancing legislation to alleviate the workload of the government, in a spirit of collaboration, to advance solutions for our collective benefit that we urgently require.
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The PLP’s proposed Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act is below [PDF here]:
Update 5.25pm: Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley has responded, saying the Opposition’s statement is “reckless and not thought through.” The Minister’s full statement can be read here.
Update 6.33pm: The PLP responded to Minister Dunkley, which can also be read on the link above.
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Well done Senator. Senator Daniels is definitely a shining light in this PLP Team and I look forward to him assuming a seat in the House of Assembly one day. He has shown himself to be well read, and well spoken and presents himself and his topics in a manner that can be understood by all walks of life. A potential party leader and/or Premier one day. Or dare I say Prime Minister.
Dream on…he will never be a Premier!
PLP are trying to out-OBA the OBA!! smdh.
Well done, Well done. I am so proud of the youthfulness of the PLP Opposition. Well done Senator Mark Daniels. Well done !!
The talent is so far reaching with in the party. Brilliant, bright and intelligent.
Keep it up PLP, keep working in the best interest of the people of Bermuda. I loving it !!
As the Loyal Opposition, the PLP cannot advance any legislative action that involves revenue for the government; however, we have not let this stop our ability to play an active role in ensuring that the interests of the community are being met fairly, justly and with expedience, when appropriate.
In 2012, the PLP promised in our election platform that we would seek to end the unnecessary criminalization of all of Bermuda’s residents and guests and find new ways to regulate cannabis usage in Bermuda.
In the Government’s 2013 Speech from the Throne, the One Bermuda Alliance has also expressed their willingness to discuss this issue openly and honestly.
About 30 years too late, de orchestrated, systematic act of profiling has done its damage of denying many from travelling without red tape and you people coming here who have done worst.
Agreed,
Lets see if the OBA will vote this bill down aswell. OBA likes to say they support things, then when asked to vote on them, they reject them.
Happened with conscription, lets see if it happens with this.
If you read Mr. Daniel’s full statement they are presenting the bill to the Government prior to the House reconvening.
He noted this change of tact as opposed to just trying to spring a piece of legislation, by surprise, as a means to try and actually work with the Government
As opposed to trying to be slick (i.e. conscription) and slipping legislation with no sort of collaboration with the Government.
This attempt is much more honorable and respectable than their previus underhanded atttempts.
And in case, like many posters on this site, I have pasted the paragrapgh from Mr. Daniels’ press release to confirm what I have said above.
“Therefore, in an effort to avoid such confrontation going forward, we have sought to advance our proposed amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act in an effort to work with the OBA Government so that they may review this draft Bill critically on its merits; and where possible, provide further amendments, if necessary, to ensure that the Bill represents the voice of the majority of our community.”
I applaud the PLP on their stance…….. finally! Could the winds be changing?
Which they could have taken the 14 years when in power, did they, no, too busy with the people’s money and issuing friends and family passes…
PLP are not the government, they had their chance and they failed the people and strapped us with unprecedented debt beyond our ability to service out of current operations.
Why make it public in the PRESS then ??? Why not just hand it over and talk it through.
I see nothing wrong with the 20grams limit. People should also be able to grow it and sell it here as well legitimately in businesses. The government could then impose a tax on the cannabis sales and create a revenue stream.
I’m not too sure if we should allow cannabis imports and exports. We would definitely want to keep our legislation aligned with the US for pre-customs clearance.
Don’t trust lawyers…no matter who what or where they are!
Yeah. That’s not generalizing at all.
It’s amazing that the OBA comes up with all these ideas and the PLP tries to jump on the bandwagon and make it look like they came up with it! They did NONE of this when they were in power. Now they want to take credit for things because they know the OBA is far more progressive than them! First conscription now this! Give me a break PLP!
Your OBA doesn’t not agree. Dunkley blasting this? I thought he was in support of it.
Guess you are wrong in so far as OBA being more progressive eh?
In 2012, the PLP promised in our election platform that we would seek to end the unnecessary criminalization of all of Bermuda’s residents and guests and find new ways to regulate cannabis usage in Bermuda.
Many will no doubt question why such moves were not undertaken during our 14 years as Government, but I wish to remind the public that MP Ashfield Devent has spoken on cannabis extensively while he served the community, as well as our current Party Leader, who addressed these issues in his maiden speech as an MP. These, and other brave voices ultimately lead to our Previous Leader including such an action plan in our Election Platform.
So why they just ignore ashfield when he said they needed to do this years ago. Bit of a double standard dont u think? They threw him under a bus.
Ah, excuse me, but the OBA have been doing exactly the same thing since they came into power.
Wow I read it….WEAK quick and back of a postcard …opens up so many other problems…
How do the police weigh amounts if they don’t have the right to take it?
Should not be allowed in a public place or should it ?
There is a can of worms here.
carry scales in the cars DUH!! a scale can be bought for very little money have you seen on the tv show cops the officers weigh it on the hood at the scene
To possess your legal amount you have to get it from someone who has a greater amount. How will this person avoid a criminal conviction?
Smoke another…Premier One day??? LMAO
Respectable political move.
I agree, and very bold. I didn’t believe when i read the headline, but in reading the statement it makes sense.
Where were all these ideas when you were actually in power!?
You obviously didn’t care to actually read the statement….
Given that Marc Daniels wasn’t in parliament, I think your question is nonsense…
Also, maybe you didn’t read the statement: “In 2012, the PLP promised in our election platform that we would seek to end the unnecessary criminalization of all of Bermuda’s residents and guests and find new ways to regulate cannabis usage in Bermuda.”
That was in the PLP’s election plaftorm, the OBA didn’t say ANYTHING about this issue!
The PLP made many promises in one election after another starting with the infamous “We will turn tourism around in 100 days” promise in 1998. Like the rest of the claims of “Gonna do” nothing happened with this issue either.
It is past time to catch up in dealing with it. Not surprisingly the PLP proposal is very simplistic & not thought through. However the wheel need not be invented. There are plenty of other jurisdictions & many states which have legalised it.
These are new young PLP leaders at the helm. When the PLP were Government it was EB, Burch and Lister calling the shots.
Thank you.. At least someone is paying attention!
The don’t like that there are young people in the PLP when their party is still being run by reitrees like Moniz, Gibbons, Pamplin, and Richards.
PLP lost the election, Get over it. New people are in the PLP, Pay attention.
Same caucus in the PLP…
Oh I see, the OBA is really the old UBP but the new PLP is not the old PLP. Got it.
are the young ones high at caucus? Cause this badly written proposed Bill is a nonsense on many levels…read Dunkleys response…PLP lawyers thought it through as best they are capable BUT doesn’t work does it???
This is a good idea, but based on the history of the PLP’s ability to draft laws it is more than likely fatally flawed.
Then the OBA should take the Bill, and make amendments and make it “unflawed”.
I suspect that is what will happen. Shame it couldn’t be done right the first time though, in the rush to look like they are “standing strong” they have hsitorically made clanging errors in drafting.
Looks like someone is trying to put the Progressive back into the PLP.. Well done, good on them!
Better late than never… OBA, what are you going to do? Vote this down aswell???
ITS BOUT TIME. LEGALIZE THE WEED!!!! TO LONG HAVE WE SUFFERED UNDER THE RACIST MISUSE DRUG LAWS..
Racist ???? HUH?
Yes racist- please research how it was made illegal.
Even President Barak Obama admitted, just a couple days ago, herb is “no worse” than alcohol and cigarettes, and described the legalization in Colorado and Washington as an important step, we really shouldn’t dilly-dally around with half measures, all civil and criminal penalties need to be removed. It’s ridiculous how people ( from both political parties) have to be dragged along, kicking and screaming towards the future. Let’s stop being followers and take some initiative.
not good enough…the plp had 14 yrs to change weed laws round here and did nothing….all drugs should be made legal, and prohibition only protects underground drug market money…
It is a start, did you read what he said? PLP can’t put forward a bill to legalise… they are doing what they can. I think you should give the new crew a chance, and stop trying to scream down old dogs who met their political death in 2012.
“As the Loyal Opposition, the PLP cannot advance any legislative action that involves revenue for the government; however, we have not let this stop our ability to play an active role in ensuring that the interests of the community are being met fairly, justly and with expedience, when appropriate.
While we welcome the OBA for taking the lead in creating an island wide discussion with town hall meetings and presentations to come, we feel that such discussions should be limited to the aspects of legalization and/or regulation; and that decisions concerning decriminalization, or de-penalizing small amounts of cannabis, should take place with immediate effect as there is an overwhelming level of support for such initiatives based on the feedback we have heard within our community that reflects the sentiment and contemporary mindset of our people today.”
politicians are protecting the drug money and support the existence of organized crime and gangs…end all prohibition…end the fake war on drugs
typical nonsense from the people’s losing party!
btw:-
would really a bus or truck driver behind you or ya momma or sista after having a joint???
would really like…typo.
this from a self confessed alcoholic?
Grrr….would you really like a bus or truck driver…….
(now I need a Drink!).
I prefer them to have smoked a joint than had a drink.
ya um wit u on dat one…take a spliff over a drink anyday!
your a drunk- get offline
‘excuse me while i light my spliff
from reality i just can’t drift’ bob marley
Any chance they can remove the Fundamentalist Gay basher from the leadership while they are at it?
Is he still party leader? He’s awfully quiet lately if he is.
Well thats good news for the gay community, it must be pretty sinister when you hear the leader of the opposition talking about you as if you are less than human.
Long may he remain quiet.
Lets get a progressive at the helm, not some medieval witch burner.
Isn’t the gay community all about equal rights? Why then are you not calling for herb smokers to have legal rights too?
So after reading this . I am of the opinion that people over the age of 18 can possession cannabis and cannabis resin in private and public if is under 20 grams. That they can smoke the cannabis and cannabis resin in public until Police make a demand for then to stop smoking in public. Why do my young children have to smell in public ? I don’t smoke it and I don’t want to smell it. Keep it in you home .
While I agree with the changes and have not had a moment to read the amendment in its entity; I agree with Marie in that it is unfortunate that smoking around others would be legal.
I have NEVER had an issue with guys at my club who smoke weed; hell I have some great friends who do, but in public? If Marie is correct and the amendment does not address her concerns; it should be rewritten to.
A guy drinks a beer besides me and intoxicates himself; fair….. but second hand smoke (a contact) is getting ME high against what may be my wishes (think drug test). And NO; it’s NOT the same as a cigarette, cigar smoker and “I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO MOVE”.
Please address this if indeed it is not included.
Any respectable smoker “old school”, would not do it anyway. Not too sure of these young guys?
Are you two crazy? Second hand cigarette smoke KILLS ganja does not,” A guy drinks a beer beside me and intoxicates himself;fair…..” alcohol kills too. Marie I don’t want to smell exhaust from vehicles or belco or peoples bad breath, but hey, what can you do? Don’t worry, if herb is ever legalized here it would probably be bogged down by numerous overly strict regulations despite the fact that it is clearly a far safer alternative to cancer sticks and coffin varnish.
your’e right, its not the same as cigarette/cigar smoke…these are proven killers, unlike our holy herbs,the weed of wisdom and the healing of the nations. wake up and live
This bill is proposing that weed be decriminalized, meaning if you get caught with anything 20g or less by the police or customs, they cannot arrest you since it is not a crimial offence. This amendment does not mean it is legal to possess it publicly; Marijuana is still ILLEGAL.
And to your second part, why on EARTH do some people, yourself included, think that if weed is legalized/decriminalized/whateveralized, that everyone and there grandmother are going to be out on the street smoking in full force?? This is simply not true. You would be amazed at the amount of people that go home every night to simply smoke a spliff or two to ease their daily troubles, similarly to those that open that nice bottle wine to enjoy nightly! No harm no foul, everyone has their poison madame!
Thanks for clearing that up. Again I was commenting on Marie comments before getting a chance to read the whole article.
Point two, Yes, if they could; they would, which is what MOST clubs (sports clubs) are fighting today. The younger guys just light up right on the porches. Guess it a show of coolness? Whatever….
And No, I would not be amazed or judge. I find it totally acceptable if your preference is to go home and have a joint. Hell, invite the boys over for a movie or PlayStation and make a night of it. Bothers me not one bit.
Apologies, not @inna as your comments was directed at Marie.
yea, sorry i hit the wrong reply button
“Sports Clubs” are fighting herb smoking because they derive the majority of their finances from alcohol sales, they don’t like competition, and they are hypocrits. Young guys lighting up on the porch might be their way of bucking the system. “If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so.” Thomas Jefferson.
well said sage
Sadly, you are correct. Most sports clubs DO survive off their bar sales. It’s not competition, nor is it being a hypocrite? The club uses the majority of such sales to run programs; senior and youth. I’ve been on a club board and have scratched my head coming up with fund raisers to bring in extra cash for such programs. At the end of the day, a dance/session selling alcohol turns out to be one of the most profitable function. Is the clubs hypocrites because they use a LEGAL product which they have been licensed to sell? Bet the majority of the weed smokers at these sessions purchase alcohol.
I’m sure that was Thomas Jefferson’s true intentions when he spoke that quote…. lol
I dont know if these sports (members) clubs would be fighting herb smoking; what club do you know of that is against the change in the law? Alcohol sales are what keep the doors open, yes. But those guys that light up on the porch will most definitely support the establishments’ alcohol sales if they are now legally allowed to “light up” on the porch? Though i wouldnt support smoking in public like that, you catch my drift!
but you support drinking and smoking in public like that?
I’m sure they are not going to allow people to smoke weed in public. But you & your child are going to smell nasty unhealthy smoke in public anyway.(Tobacco)
“Why do my young children have to smell in public ? ”
Not sure but I suggest a bath.
@aceboy lmao
Good one!!!
I do wonder if she gets upset about the effect the alcohol does on people when they are in public? I mean I would much rather stand next to someone smoking, rather than be around a drunk a$$ who can’t handle himself.
I wish half the people who complain about weed would complain about alcohol, it’s killing our people everyday, and has been for some time.
why do our young children have to accept gay people as being normal?
5 (b) A police officer of any rank shall have lawful authority to demand any individual over the age of 18 years, to cease from using cannabis or cannabis resin in any public place, as referred to in Schedule 4 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1972.
Smokers response when asked by a member of the public to put out the joint: its legal I don’t have too.
How do you think members of the public will respond to the pothead ?
Go ahead tell us now, s#1thead.
So the police don’t have legal authority to demand an individual under the age of 18 to cease from using cannabis or cannabis resin in any public place?
It should be either illegal or legal…no in between ….allowing small amounts to be carried will only remove the fear of being caught for many…thus increasing the amount of people willing to use or try at least….This in turn will increase the profits of those importing – supplying. …again…either legalize it or cracked down hard…either way will not affect those smart enough not to use..
now just up it to 28g instead of 20…still bS in my opinion i want change like washington and colorado but good to see they are talking more sincerely
“The question is whether Bermuda wants to wait until all of our neighbors make changes, or will we be bold enough to chart a new destiny and seek new ways of generating revenue; perhaps with an influx of tourists and/or from local taxes and license fees. The possibilities are endless if we only dare to be different and seize the moment as opposed to playing catch up” WHAT A STATEMENT WONDER IF DUNKLEY AND THE BOYS WILL COME THRU FOR OUR COUNTRY OR IS THIS GOING TO BE TO MUCH LOSS OUT OF THEIR POCKET CHANGE.
one thing i have noticed is that when i smoke im more alert of my surroundings and drive slower than ms daisy when im medicated so the if the bus drivers or taxi drivers do choose to smoke i think i will be safer in there ride
Wow, nothing personal buddy; but really?
SMH
box dweller…come out of your box …soo… yeah really
You know; we are having a civilized debate on questions people have on the pro’s and con’s of this amendment. When you make such comments, the true bias without the ability to rationalize or even process another’s comment comes into play. Most time this hinders a debate in that you can’t even agree to disagree which is why many closed minded people can’t handle hearing others views.
I simply questioned how you can back a statement condoning Taxi and Bus drivers smoking weed because “ i have noticed is that when i smoke im more alert of my surroundings”.
F***, no wonder people don’t take most comments serious. And YES… REALLY!!!!! Come out my box? you’ll be the first to argue the comparison to drunk driving, but back that statement? Damn.
And @ Bruce Willis , you’re out of your g****** mind like the idiot above who asked if someone would rather have a bus or whatever behind them being driven by someone who had had a drink or smoked a joint like one is safer than the other.
I’ve had experience with both and I can assure you I would pick neither .
Would you knowingly get on a jet with 300 other passengers when the pilots had just had a nice toke ? Would you submit to surgery if the Dr had just had a nice relaxing joint to alleviate the stresses of the day thus far ?
And don’t bore me and try to confuse the issue by dragging booze into this which we all know the effects of . I’m talking about herb !
And don’t get me wrong , I’m not against carefully thought out decriminalization or legalization .
toodle-oo you never saw flight the true event of a coked up alcoholic pilot, hell in the states i sat in strip club with 2 fighter pilots drinking from 2 to 5 hot as hell they went to fly some sort of training operation so please, your worried about weed
Like I hinted , I was fully expecting some illiterate with poor comprehension skills to revert back to the alcohol issue.
Please try next time to come up with a case that I wasn’t quite aware of 20 years ago.
Now , answer the question . Would you be happy with someone driving an 18 wheeler tailgating you on your bike after they had just had a joint ?
Would you be quite secure in getting on that aircraft where the pilots were high because some one above claims that they drive better after having a joint ?
Or the surgeon ?
Remember ( a little comprehension needed here) I’m NOT against sensibly thought out and legislated decriminalization or possibly even legalization.
I would be perfectly happy in any of your scenarios, it’s not what you know it’s what you don’t. Pilots, truck drivers and surgeons routinely cross the line in respect to sleep deprivation, prescription drug use, alcohol and hard drug abuse.
Entrusting you life in the hands of others is as serious as it gets but you’re ok with any of the above scenarios ? Really ?
Do you really think that helps your crusade to have herb ‘legalized’ ? (Not to be confused with decriminalized )
You really would get on a plane when the pilot has just had a joint ?
I don’t care if any of the above people use alcohol or herb recreationally in their OWN time , but they better be clean and free if they put their hands on my safety and well being .
States with liberal cannabis laws have seen 9% decrease in fatal traffic accidents. You still have not done your homework young man.
@YOURJOKING PERFECT NAME FOR YOU! A JOKE INDEED
marc daniels gets my vote thumbs up to this entire article
Lets see:
1. There is a reason that the police arrest “on suspicion” this is because without chemical examination they cannot know exactly what the material is.
2. Will the police have to carry weights and measures in order to ascertain if the amount is under 20 Grams.
3. Where is there in the regulation that someone is caught using they hare required to produce proof of age.
Far too many what if’s send it back to the drawing board!!
@ Sooooo
Why should it be sent back to the drawing board? Your making a big deal out of small issues.
Bermuda already sell legal drugs, legal food, legal alcohol that kills people on the reg, so what the hell is your problem?
To my fellow Bermudians who are really against any form of drugs hurting the community, I suggest you start your fight with Tobacco, Alcohol, fast food & perscription drugs. These are the real killers, and are available on any street corner!
PREACH!!! SOME PEOPLE HAVE NO COMMON SENSE THAT’S WHAT IT IS.
DID THEY SEE HOW MUCH MONEY COLORADO MADE IN ONE DAY? TAKE HEED BERMUDA GET ONBOARD
where is everybody going to buying this weed from??? someone enlighten me, Govt authorized dealers???
DISPENCERY DAHH WHAT YA DUMB?
Why should these dealers be authorized by government? There is no authority without responsibility and consecutive governments have shirked their responsibilities for decades. They should be barred from any benefits (direct taxes) excluding savings(On massive waste) in lieu of paying reparations to those whose lives have been adversely affected or destroyed by their failed war.
that’s the way they do it in Rhode Island I get mine from the federal government and I’m allowed to grow my own for personal use in the confines of my home basement under lights, would love to come home and potentially grow in the outdoors Bermudas weather is great for the plants. btw I’m a Bermudian who went abroad for an education and got one all while medicating on you guessed ….medical mary J …tune in Bermy there are a lot of tax dollars available from the sales. sh$t if I could come home and medicate freely i would but I cant so I won’t.
outside all of the merit in the Bill – one just wonders what the PLP were doing for the last 14 years whilst in Government. Seems like they are re-branding themselves as Progressive – unlike the misnomer of a name that they masquerade around. Hopefully they maintain this positive forward thinking attitude towards politics which will undoubtedly keep a healthy atmosphere in the House of Assembly (unless the OBA resort to the typical “why didn’t you bies do this while you were in power?” game that both parties play when the other has the proverbial -”oneuponthembutitwasntintentional” look on their face.
BTW – I voted OBA but only because I want a change. If this OBA doesn’t perform then their vote is gone to whatever party is the best alternate. None of this “I like you so you get my vote BS”. it will be purely based on performance and results.
Results will be interpreted as those which can be directly related to implementation of policies that were successful given the global socio-economic climate of the day – which ultimately govern the success of much of what we do.
Lol, Colorado has a population of five and a quarter million people. We’ll reach them figure sometime after the earth thaws out from the next Ice Age. Good suggestion though.
considering the price of purchase in Bermuda we could possibly beat colorado’s numbers with out even trying
The OBA will help those affected negatively by harsh Mary Jane laws.The PLP had 14 yrs and did nothing!
Lame plp minion…daniel is a desperate wannabe
The colosal damage the plp inflicted on these islands…whatever they say or do are meaningless and just BORING….
20 grams??? Y not add 8 more grams and make it a full once?
Well done Opposition and Mark Daniels. Continue to work hard for the people of Bermuda. I loving this forward thinking and actions of the Opposition. This is indeed just brilliant step forward !!
Well done??? really? that one and half pages of proposed legislation is a nonsense, badly thought out and entirely lacking without considering issues of sale, cultivation and control! And your response is “well done”! Wow…wheres your Shadow A-G? She should at least be able to tell you what a nonsense that proposed Bill is by your non thinking Senator …”Brilliant step forward”??? LMAO
Full Legalization now!
The plp should disband or just shut up…useless to the max
bottom line is that people are trying to control a plant that God gave us or the universe which ever you believe in either or it was here before us and will be here when we are gone …….humans are such control freaks
free up the buds over grow the government they cant lock us all up
True ,
“Overgrow the Government.”
“Just Say Know”
” Legalized Herb, no longer a pipe dream.”
Horry up in pas de law as I need a spliff dis weekend
five ‘D’s’ come to mind with the plp…dangerous,destructive,divisive,deadly and diabolic