‘Safe and lawful’ way forward sought for medical cannabis
Responsible access to medical cannabis will be balanced with clinical judgment, oversight and safeguards against misuse under a framework being developed by the Government, the House of Assembly heard today.
Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, highlighted that no final legislative model has been confirmed, and said the proposed structure is consistent with Bermuda’s obligations under the UN drugs convention.
He noted that the Cabinet approved the advancement of efforts to support the establishment of a regulated medical cannabis framework for the island.
“The objective of this work is straightforward: to examine how Bermuda can create a safe and lawful pathway that improves access for patients with legitimate medical needs while maintaining robust protections against misuse, diversion and abuse,” the minister said.
“As part of that objective, we seek to treat approved cannabis-based medicines and regulated medical cannabis products in the same manner as other controlled prescription medications that may be lawfully prescribed by registered medical practitioners and dispensed through licensed pharmacies.
“Medical cannabis is not a simple policy issue.
“It sits at the intersection of healthcare regulation, controlled drug legislation, public safety, professional clinical practice and international legal obligations.
“As such, this work requires careful co-ordination across Government to ensure that whatever framework ultimately emerges is practical, enforceable and in the public interest.”
As well as the national security ministry, he added, the Ministry of Health and the Attorney-General’s Chambers are collaborating on the proposal.
Mr Weeks said: “It is important to be clear with the public on this matter so that there is no confusion about what we are trying to achieve.
“I, therefore, want to state that this work remains in development and that no final legislative model has been settled. That is intentional.
“This framework will be grounded in several important principles.
“Firstly, medical autonomy. Registered physicians in Bermuda should be able to determine, in their professional judgment, whether cannabis-based treatment is clinically appropriate for a patient.
“Secondly, patient protection and access. Bermudians suffering from serious or chronic medical conditions should be able to access approved therapeutic treatments through a safe, lawful and medically supervised process.
“Thirdly, public safety and accountability. Any framework permitting medical cannabis must include robust safeguards, clear standards and effective oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse and ensure proper clinical governance.
“And fourthly, regulatory consistency. Cannabis-based medicines should be regulated within Bermuda’s existing healthcare and controlled-drug framework rather than through the creation of a separate or parallel regime.”
He added: “We are seeking an approach that supports legitimate patient access to medical cannabis through proper medical channels, respects clinical judgment, maintains appropriate oversight and preserves the safeguards necessary to prevent misuse.”
Bermuda’s legislators approved the use of three marijuana-derived medications in 2014.
The drugs approved were synthetic: Dronabinol, also known as Marinol; Nabilone, or Cesamet; and Nabiximols, also called Sativex.
The first two compounds are used to treat nausea, while the third drug is for the treatment of muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis.
MPs heard that only registered medical practitioners would be permitted to prescribe approved cannabis products for medical use and that only licensed pharmacies and approved medical entities would be allowed to import and dispense them.
Mr Weeks said: “This proposal aligns Bermuda with international best practices and remains fully consistent with our obligations under the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, which expressly permits the medical and scientific use of cannabis under strict regulatory control.”
He noted that other countries with comparable legal and healthcare systems, such as Canada, Britain, Australia and some Caribbean jurisdictions, have already introduced similar cannabis frameworks.
“Bermuda’s approach is therefore neither experimental nor reckless,” the minister said.
“It is cautious, evidence-informed and centred firmly on healthcare regulation and patient wellbeing.”
In its platform, launched ahead of the 2025 General Election, the Progressive Labour Party said it was committed to “reviewing and updating cannabis-related guidance, regulations and oversight to strike a balance between the limits of the UK framework and safe, responsible adult cannabis use”.
Rena Lalgie, when she was the Governor, reserved assent on the controversial Cannabis Licensing Act 2022 after she found it to be “inconsistent” with what she understood to be obligations held by Britain and Bermuda under UN conventions.
David Burt said earlier that he had “no intention” of tailoring the Government’s proposal to license production of cannabis to fit British rules that allow use for medicinal purposes only.
However, the stance had softened by 2025, when the Premier told The Royal Gazette: “If the UK is not willing to go to the level of which was in the 2020 platform, then we need to put something forward that can meet inside of their aims.
“That is what has come from our members.”
Craig Cannonier, the Opposition Whip, asked in the House today whether a specific licence would be required by doctors or pharmacists to dispense medical cannabis products.
Mr Weeks replied: “No additional licences would be needed by medical practitioners; you just have to be a registered doctor or pharmacist.”
• To see the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
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