A “public conversation” on cannabis reform will be held tonight by the Cannabis Reform Committee, with a four-person panel presenting on local and overseas perspectives.

They will tackle such questions as whether Bermuda’s cannabis policies should be reformed, and how such reforms might affect work and community life.

The meeting at 7.30pm in the Manchester Unity Hall, at the corner of Victoria and Union Streets, will be “not your typical town-hall meeting”, according to CRRC chairman Stratton Hatfield.

Members of the public will have “a more personal experience in discussing their views — and, in turn, a more constructive conversation on cannabis reform”, he said.

Guests include Judith Burgess, the executive director of PRIDE Bermuda with nearly 30 years’ experience in drug prevention.

US researcher Jeffrey Hergenrather, from the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, will also address the meeting via Skype.

Jack Cole, from the US group Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, will speak from his 14 years’ as an undercover narcotics officer with the New Jersey State Police — and Chantelle Simmons will bring her perspective as a consultant psychiatrist with the substance abuse programme Turning Point.

Artist Tiffany Paynter will host the event. Each panellist will deliver a ten-minute presentation, followed by round table discussions in which the public can speak with guests.