I previously announced that I had reserved the Cannabis Licensing Bill 2022 for the signification of Her Majesty’s pleasure under Section 35 (2) of The Bermuda Constitution.
I have now received an instruction, issued to me on Her Majesty’s behalf, not to Assent to the Bill as drafted.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs concluded that the Bill, as currently drafted, is not consistent with obligations held by the UK and Bermuda under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
I have informed the Premier and relayed the UK’s continued desire to work with Bermuda on reforms within the scope of our existing international obligations.
Her Excellency Ms Rena Lalgie
Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Bermuda
Attorney-General Confirms Government’s Position on Cannabis Legislation
“Disappointing but not surprising, given the confines of our constitutional relationship with the UK Government and their archaic interpretation of the Narcotic Conventions”, said the Attorney-General, the Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons today after Her Excellency the Governor confirmed her instructions from the UK to not grant Assent to the Cannabis Licensing Bill 2022.
“The People of Bermuda have democratically expressed their desire for a regulated cannabis licensing regime following the strong endorsement at the ballot box and an extensive public consultation process.”
“The Government of Bermuda intends to continue to advance this initiative, within the full scope of its constitutional powers, in keeping with our 2020 General Election Platform commitment.”
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