Michael Dunkley has called on a collaborative group to create a paper on cannabis policy reform in advance of the coming debate on decriminalisation.

The National Security Minister has tasked the Cannabis Reform Collaborative (CRC) with creating a paper identifying the advantages, and disadvantages, of legalising, or decriminalising, the controlled drug, as well as look into its potential medical uses.

A Ministry spokeswoman said the 11 CRC members bring experience in a number of important fields, including sustainable development, law, corrections, activism, public policy, research, statistics, and drug counselling to examine the history and impact of cannabis policies.

Members of the group include Stratton Hatfield, Rev Dr Ernest Peets, lawyer Kamal Worrell, Cordell Riley, the former CURB president, Julia van Beelen, Khomeini Taalib-Din, Krystl Assan, Lamar Caines, Eron Hill, Kyle Bridgewater and Robyn Swan.

“Through comprehensive research and public consultation, the CRC aims to provide a sound basis for rational, humane action towards reforming Bermudian laws and policies,” the spokeswoman said.

“Its members will look at cannabis and current cannabis policy from health, human rights, spiritual, cultural and economic perspectives in an effort to provide a fair and inclusive overview of policy options. Once complete, the document and its supportive research will be presented to the Minister.

“The CRC looks forward to engaging with members of the community to develop a detailed and informative document on cannabis reform. The group will administer electronic surveys, smaller focus groups, and a town-hall meeting in the beginning of 2014 to collect data and input from the community.”

The CRC was initially formed as a result of an open mic discussion this summer on cannabis reform hosted by the Future Bermuda Alliance — the youth division of the One Bermuda Alliance.

CRC member Mr Hatfield however said yesterday the group are not affiliated with the Future Bermuda Alliance, and noted that all of the members are volunteering their time to create this paper.

“The CRC members are not being compensated financially for their time,” Mr Hatfield said. “We believe that it is important for the Bermuda of 2014 to understand the facts around cannabis reform.

“The people of Bermuda need to recognise how current policies and regulations are effecting our community and consider solutions which will allow our country to proactively manage cannabis distribution/use and its emerging medicinal uses.”

Mr Dunkley said in October that he was open to having a mature, public discussion on decriminalising the controlled drug in Bermuda and considering its potential medical uses.

“Let me be clear, I do not support the legalisation as I am not convinced that such a course is fit and proper for this country,” Mr Dunkley said. “I do take notice of the effect that a conviction for the youthful indiscretion of marijuana possession can have on our citizens and with that in mind a wider discussion on decriminalisation must take place.”

Despite his stance against legalisation of cannabis in Bermuda, Mr Dunkley said he was not against debating the topic.

In November’s Throne Speech, Government pledged it would produce a public consultation paper on decriminalisation and the use of medical marijuana.