Robinson, claiming he misquoted a report on the effects of marijuana.

Mr. Robinson was heard in the media last week referring to a survey of drivers overseas which he claimed showed people under the influence of the drug were safer on the roads than those without.

However the NDC says it found the report in a medical journal and Mr.

Robinson's summary was misleading.

NDC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Derrick Binns said: "As expected the full picture was not represented.

"We are certainly interested in dispelling any misunderstandings that may have been generated by the comments.'' The article in the Epidemiological Review, Volume 21, Number 2, 1999 written by New Zealand scientists looked at the relationship between cannabis and motor crashes.

Dr. Binns said; "The authors of the full study report that cannabis has impairing effects on a wide variety of tasks, including driving.'' However the report did note that there was no evidence to say cannabis alone increased culpability for traffic fatalities or serious injuries.

It said: "In fact there is some evidence that consumption of cannabis actually decreases the risk.'' But Dr. Binns said: "Although there is evidence that cannabis decreases the risk for accidents, it is because cannabis-using drivers are aware that they are impaired and compensate by driving more cautiously.

"It is not possible to exclude the possibility that use of cannabis leads to an increased risk of road traffic crashes causing less serious injuries and vehicle damage.'' Last night Opposition Chief Whip Cole Simons accused Mr. Robinson of mounting an "irresponsible campaign to decriminalise marijuana in Bermuda''.

Mr. Simons said: "Driving is a privilege and with that privilege comes responsibility -- we cannot put Bermuda's road users at risk.

"We must keep irresponsible drivers off Bermuda's roads, especially drivers that are under the influence. These people can kill innocent members of our community.

"One wonders what Mr. Robinson will say when a reckless driver mixes marijuana with alcohol and a serious accident occurs? "How will he feel when an irresponsible driver who is driving under the influence kills a member of his family.? Will he be so forgiving? "May I suggest that before Mr. Robinson presents any more gems of wisdom on marijuana to our community, he must first have a word with Bermuda's National Drug Commission.

"They have the resources available to ensure that our MPs do not spread misinformation throughout our community about drugs.

"It is time this Government shows its hand, when it comes to the decriminalisation of marijuana.

"Government's silence on Mr. Robinson's ongoing campaign to decriminalise marijuana can only be interpreted as silent consent.'' Mr. Robinson has failed to respond to questions put to him by The Royal Gazette on the issue.

Delaey Robinson