Social Justice Bermuda Urges Cannabis Reform
Social Justice Bermuda said that it is “crucial that Bermuda introduces a safe and accessible cannabis market for all.”
A spokesperson said, “Social Justice Bermuda is a collective of Bermudians who are inspired by the global Black Lives Matter movement and the way that communities around the world are standing together to tackle and dismantle oppressive systems of injustice and racism.
“We are writing in response to the Bermuda Police Service’s ongoing cannabis prohibition operations, for example the recent seizure of 138 cannabis plants in St. George’s on January 15, 2024.
“Recent cannabis-related media activity:
- Man caught with cannabis given conditional discharge- RG Feb 20, 2024
- Suspended sentence for cultivating cannabis- RG Jan 17, 2024
- Police Seize 138 Cannabis Plants In St George’s- Bernews Jan 15, 2024
- ‘Strong Smell Of Cannabis’, Driver Speeds Off- Bernews Dec 13, 2023
- 104 ‘Fully Grown Cannabis Plants’ Seized- Bernews Aug 14, 2023
- UK Parliament: Q&A On Cannabis Licensing Bill- Bernews June 2023
“And we wish to reiterate our concern that ongoing violence and other anti-social behaviour is in part due to the inability of those involved in the trade to resolve conflicts through legal channels due to its quasi-legal status.
“We value and appreciate the efforts to pass the Cannabis Licensing Act 2020 which included a consultation with the UK Government. Our government was advised in 2020 that the CLA 2020 would not pass the Governor as it was non-compliant with the UN Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971. Since then, any subsequent progress in this election platform initiative’s implementation has been inadequately communicated with the public.
“Options for further reform including re-tabling the CLA inclusive of central medical/research use provision would make such a bill compliant with the UN Single Convention and also likely pass HE’s desk. Failing that, options include tabling a Statutory Instrument utilizing the negative resolution procedure as outlined in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973. A S.I. would not need to be approved by parliament as it is made then laid, effectively becoming law once laid in the House and an official Gazette has been posted.
“The current situation is that cannabis is being imported by vendors which contain Delta 9 THC A which becomes psychotropic once smoked. The mechanism of this is the same as when freshly dried cannabis is cured or heated beyond its decarboxylation point of 315 degrees F. Effectively, what’s good for Peter is not good for Paul. This is precisely why the Social Justice group was formed; to advocate for equitable outcomes in our society. And, while some are having their CBD, Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC-A confiscated, others can operate without molestation.
“A further problem, which SJB had intended to avoid, is the ongoing lack of legal resources available for those involved in the trade including disputes between buyers and sellers. These issues were exasperated as individuals who were not previously involved with the Cannabis trade are now the biggest players. It is the case that non-pharmacists can supply ounces of cannabis in one store, but someone else would get charged with possession with intent to supply for doing the same. How is this equitable?
“We would like to make the Government aware that the situation is now and has always been untenable and should be rectified immediately. It is crucial that Bermuda introduces a safe and accessible cannabis market for all, especially those most impacted by cannabis prohibition.
“Should you require more information or clarification, please get in touch via return email. Please see our social media handles and website below.
- Website: www.socialjusticebda.com
- FB: www.facebook.com/SocialJusticeBM
- IG: www.instagram.com/SocialJusticeBM
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/SocialJusticeBM
“Upvote or reply to our recommendations in the Citizens Forum.”
“standing together to tackle and dismantle oppressive systems of injustice and racism”
How is the prohibition of possession or sale of cannabis any more oppressive than the prohibition against the possession or sale of firearms?
I have to admit that you made an interesting point. How about those who want to legally smoke weed submit to the same background check and bureaucratic process similar to what one has to go through to legally own a firearm and ammunition in Bermuda?
See the BPS website, > Publications & Forms > Firearms Licence Application
“How about those who want to legally smoke weed ”
Go to Canada or Colorado or Nevada or California or somewhere else that weed is legal. It is the same thing most gun enthusiasts in Bermuda have to do in order to shoot.
The number likely has changed from a few years ago but I recall something like 312 gun licenses issued in Bermuda.
Yes, there are shooting ranges in the US where a person can legally rent a gun, even an automatic firearm, for a reasonable price. Japanese on trips to Orlando love to rent fully automatic weapons at ranges. A popular stop after visiting Disney.
In Bermuda, criminals rent guns and pay for bullets at unreasonable prices. Not sure what the refund policy is for returning unused bullets.
Interestingly, I have seen several gun cases in baggage claim at our airport. Daniel Defense was the most popular.
Why does Social Justice not promote speeding ticket reform? What about parking ticket reform?
Probably because the road traffic laws are rarely enforced in Bermuda. Why ask for the alteration of something that does not affect many people?
They are not social justice issues.
Who says speeding tickets and parking tickets are not social justice issues? Clearly, it is irrefutable that certain ethnic groups are disproportionately ticketed. Yes, disproportionately. Traffic stops of any kind and checkpoint stops are human rights violations perpetrated by authorities in a police state. Under the guise of a “you were speeding,” the BPS can search your vehicle using a variety of excuses. During holidays, checkpoints for your safety allow the same thing. What ethnic group disproportionately owns cars in Bermuda?
I have yet to see any white BPS officers writing parking tickets. Why is that? Notice who rides the buses. What ethnic group disproportionately owns cars in Bermuda?
During the absurd covid lockdown, the Regiment was utilized for traffic stops. I was treated like a criminal because I was taking my bicycle down to a nearby gas station to put air in the tires so I could pedal my bike using a trainer stand in my backyard. Three testosterone-charged individuals in camouflage uniforms stood by my car shouting demands. All three were black and I am white. Not one of the other stopped drivers on either side of the checkpoint received such treatment. Care to venture a guess why? Where were all the social justice warriors during the lockdown?
Because they don’t want to! Please stop telling people that they should care about X because they care about Y. It is very egotistical! Everyone has a cause that they are about. Sometimes its a social cause, sometimes it’s any environmental cause, sometimes it’s an animal welfare cause. Let people care about what they want to care about! It all helps in the end! It’s the people that don’t care about any cause that are the problem in society!
There was a bill, but Burt intentionally ommitted a key part knowing it would be turned down by the uk because of it. It was used as a propaganda tool to cling onto power.
Hasn’t the Uplift shop just given those people what they wanted? I’m not sure how it is allowed but get used to kids off their heads on gummies and chocolate.
Well Liquor is legal and does a whole lot worse than Cannibis/weed so I don’t see the reason why its still illegal.
I’ve heard that argument before, but I’ve never seen any evidence in support of it.
What is the basis for your statement that “Liquor is legal and does a whole lot worse than Cannibis/weed” please?
Are you serious? 3 million deaths from alcohol annually worldwide and compare the number to total deaths from cannabis giong back to 2500BC, zero. There is your evidence. Google it and verify.
How about legalization has failed to live up to the hype where it has passed?
How about Bermudians, isolated in their little 50 years behind the rest of the world island, keep their ill informed opinions to themselves
There is no need to continually display how uninformed you are on any issue nor your racism. Toddle along.
Yet, you continue to display your racism and ignorance on these fora.
You have me confused with yourself. But hey, keep embarrassing yourself.
I’m not embarrassed.
Your childish, and ill informed reply is embarrassing for you though.
LMFAO, you poor thing.
How about you leave opinions about Bermuda to us (Bermudians) and apply your vitriol to your own place of origin.
My place of origin is Paget, Bermuda…perhaps you should return to your homeland and leave Bermuda for Bermudians.
You sound like a typical bigot…you don’t like what I said so you tell me to leave. Pathetic.