Any changes to the laws regulating the use of cannabis will only be made “in a measured fashion with careful consideration of the Bermudian context”, National Security Minister Michael Dunkley has said.

Mr Dunkley spoke after a report by the Cannabis Reform Collaborative (CRC) was presented to Parliamentarians in the House of Assembly this morning.

“It must be noted that cannabis policy in Bermuda is far reaching, affecting our social, health and economic climate and therefore requires a holistic approach to reform,” the Minister said.

“Where it is found that reform is in fact warranted, changes will only be made in a measured fashion with careful consideration of the Bermudian context.”

Mr Dunkley noted that Government had promised to engage in public consultation regarding cannabis/marijuana policy reform at last November’s Throne Speech.

“Shortly after, Mr Stratton Hatfield and Mr Khomeini Talib-Din approached me individually to express their interest in facilitating and participating in the promised public consultation. I put the two men together and advised them to recruit additional members, with like interest, to form the Cannabis Reform Collaborative,” added Mr. Dunkley.

“The group began meeting on December 5 and had as its mandate to produce an advisory document on cannabis policy reform that identifies the benefits and consequences of reclassifying, legalising, or decriminalising cannabis and to investigate its medicinal uses.

“In addition to the Chair, Mr Hatfield and Mr Talib-Din, the CRC comprised Lamar Caines, Jules Van Belen, Cordell Reily, Dr Ernest Peets, Robyn Swan, Kyle Bridgewater, Alex Jones, Harry Masters and Joleesa Simons.

“Together, the CRC has experience and varying levels of expertise in activism, policy, law, addictions treatment and drug education. The CRC worked diligently to engage the public in discussions about Bermuda’s current cannabis policies and to canvass the public’s views on reform through town hall style meetings, focus groups and electronic surveys.”

MPs and the public have now been urged to read the Final Advisory Document.

The CRC’s full 137 page report can be read by clicking on the related media link on the left of this article.