Provide Feedback On Proposed Cannabis Law
People are being urged to provide feedback on the proposed regulated cannabis regime, which has proposed that the different types of licensed activities will include “cultivation by commercial growers, retail cannabis shops, manufacture, research, transport, import, and export.”
Attorney-General Kathy Lynn Simmons said, “I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to submit their comments, suggestions and views on the proposed regulated cannabis regime on the official Bermuda Government website www.forum.gov.bm.
“We are encouraged by the number of responses we have received to date. The feedback from the public on this revised proposal will provide for a regulated cannabis regime, which will be tailored to meet Bermuda’s requirements and models the best available legal provisions in Canada and the Caribbean.
“The policy intends that the different types of licensed activities will include cultivation by commercial growers, retail cannabis shops, manufacture, research, transport, import, and export. The proposed regulatory requirements for each category of license are illustrated in the draft legislation and policy including a schedule for cannabis retail shops.
“The public will recall that in 2019 the Government undertook a consultation process on a proposed medicinal cannabis regime. During that process, it became evident that a significant number of Bermudians want a relaxation of cannabis laws to be a key component in any proposed legislation.
“Further, many members of public support cannabis reform as both a social justice and economic empowerment initiative. As a result of that feedback, the Government has decided to pivot the scope of the cannabis policy to achieve a regulated cannabis regime.
“The public and interested parties are encouraged to comment on the policy document and the illustrative draft Bill during the consultation period. The consultation documents are available at www.forum.gov.bm until the 3rd July 2020.
“As a reminder, social media posts and media comments are not official submissions. The best way to ensure that your comments and suggestions are reviewed and considered is to go to the official Bermuda Government website www.forum.gov.bm where you will find the consultation documents and instructions on how to send in your views.”
The full Illustrative Draft Bill follows below [PDF here]
I am glad to see government asking for feed back and they have changed some negative aspects of the initial proposal after public consultation, unfortunately this version is not much better. This proposal still seeks to allow some people to grow, process, transport and sell cannabis yet it will remain illegal for an individual to grow their own, or import for their own purposes, they had said personal grow licenses would be allowed but have now backtracked saying it can’t be easily enforced. The only saving grace is they ask for feedback and have shown they can change things. Without fully removing the criminal penalties, the proposal is in fact preposterous in that it achieves none of what they espouse as reasons for the reform in the first place. Please make a comment at the website.
This is a BIG deal. Surely it should be a referendum topic? Also – I know there is a small group of (very vocal) people who support legalization , but most people I have spoke to support decriminalisatoon, if anything. I am so worried for the future of my children right now.
The whole world is headed in this direction to legalize, why is Bermuda still holding back? Personally it’s time to play catch up with the rest of the world instead of living in this 21 sq mile bubble