Cannabis is restricted for recreational consumption, but scientific, research and medical applications are allowed. Britain’s refusal of Royal Assent for Bermuda reflects this because of the Cannabis Licensing Act 2020 not adhering to international treaties.

At present, there is a lot of confusion regarding these substances. These definitions are important. The conflation of the terms between cannabis, hemp, hemp-derived and natural cannabinoids has cost many Bermudians their health, jobs and livelihoods. Understanding these definitions allows us to move forward within the confines of the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (Amendment) 1972 and the British Misuse of Drugs Act 1972 laws.

Hemp

Post-Brexit, Britain maintains a 0.2 per cent cap on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but allows cannabidiol (CBD) sales under novel food regulations, subject to strict compliance with European Union-derived standards.

Cannabis

Any part of the genus cannabis or any part of such a plant, excluding three specific components — the mature stalk, fibre produced from the mature stalk and the seed.

Synthetic cannabinoids

Man-made compounds that mimic the effects of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. They act on the same cannabinoids receptors in the brain — tetrahydrocannabiphorol, delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), oxyhydrogen (HHO).

Cannabinoids

Compounds derived directly from the cannabis plant, such as THC and CBD. THC is the primary psychoactive component, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has recognised therapeutic uses.

The follow-up questions are, How are multiple countries worldwide legalising and some allowing open consumption; and, why isn’t Bermuda joining the proverbial conga line?

The issues are:

1, Bermuda lacks independent sovereignty and is required to follow the laws and regulations of our governing country

2, Aforementioned governing country, Britain, has very little interest in progressing cannabis laws

Countries that have since legalised cannabis have reinterpreted or removed themselves from related substance-specific treaties. An example of respectful noncompliance is Canada and their regulated commercial cannabis industry. Canada was able to reinterpret the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, and argued that its approach for a regulated cannabis structure fell in line with the UN mission of preserving human life.

The “war on drugs” has utterly failed and prohibition has damaged tens of millions of lives — directly or otherwise. In recent weeks, the news cycle has been dominated by persons attempting to cultivate, smuggle or simply possess cannabis. It’s not just about having cannabis to get “high”; it’s about finding a logical solution and allowing alternative forms of rehabilitation while broadening the context.

What do we do to persons that find that cannabis improves chronic pain symptoms but are recommended prescription pharmaceuticals? We’re all aware of the cost of living and the long-term effects of some pharmaceuticals. We can see that prohibition has not worked, and we now have clinical and real-world data to support a healthcare approach. Yet we continue to drag our feet.

So the question remains: what are our options?

• Joshua Santucci-Smith is the Director of Policy for the Bermuda Cannabis Associaton

NEXT: What we can do