January 22, 2014

Dear Sir,

I believe words should be chosen carefully as we debate the pros and cons of the use and or misuse of cannabis (Royal Gazette, Wednesday 22 January 2014, page 2). The wrong word or words do nothing but muddy the waters — and we should be looking for clarity.

I refer to a quote from the very first paragraph of this article. ‘ …..that Bermudians convicted of possessing small amounts of the drug can finally avoid the ‘devastating consequences” of their habit’.

I would like to point out the word ‘habits’ used under these circumstances, is incorrect when talking about small amounts of cannabis. We are led to believe the use of small amounts of this drug are NOT habit forming. In the dictionary the word habit is given as a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up and also an addictive practice, especially one of taking drugs.

My biggest complaint though is the misuse of the words ‘finally avoid’ in the above quote. This denotes the final (only) way to avoid the dire consequences of breaking this law is to abolish it; as if the perpetrators do not have another option to avoid breaking this law and the devastating consequences — they could obey the law.

There is also this whining about “suffered life altering and devastating consequences for far too long.” Yes, those caught with small amounts of cannabis DO suffer devastating consequences — but it is after all their choice. We must all face the consequences of our actions be they big or small — and so long as we known the consequences and are of sane mind and of age — we are responsible.

It is NOT the fault of the law when people insist on breaking that law.

It is a defence lawyer’s continual whine that their clients are not responsible for their actions — society is responsible, their parents are, the law is — everyone and anyone but the person or persons who break the law. This is ridiculous.

If the law is wrong or unfair, then by all means change the law, but do not try and tell us we are not responsible for our actions. The laws state that if you are caught smoking a bit of cannabis and found guilty, you will not be able to travel freely to foreign countries. This can mess up your life; it can be devastating. This is very true — but you do have a choice — and it is YOUR choice — to smoke or not to smoke — and since it is not habit forming (apparently in small quantities) you do not have the excuse of being a drug addict.

Don’t break the law — or break it — but if you do, then the consequences are yours — and they can be devastating. Again, THE LAW IS NOT AT FAULT.

MARK EMMERSON

Pembroke