Pubdate: Fri, 09 May 2014
Source: Royal Gazette, The (Bermuda)
Copyright: 2014 The Royal Gazette Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.theroyalgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2103
Cited: http://www.royalgazette.com/assets/pdf/RG15455759.pdf

DUNKLEY: DRUG REFORM NEEDS 'CAREFUL CONSIDERATION'

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.
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MAP posted-by: Matt