Cannabis Reform Collaborative (CRC) member Eron Hill has resigned from the group, citing bias and an “ulterior agenda” in the organisation.

His charge was strongly refuted by a spokesman for the organisation, however.

The CRC, which was set up by National Security Minister Michael Dunkley to review the Island’s laws pertaining to the drug, is also tasked with public consultation on possible changes to the legal status of cannabis.

Mr Hill said he’d joined the CRC to be “a voice for young Bermudians” on the group, which he had expected to be unbiased and objective.

However, he accused the CRC of having a fixed motive, rather than undertaking any dispassionate review.

“To my dismay, I have heard repeated calls for us to appear unbiased,” added Mr Hill at a press conference yesterday afternoon outside the House of Assembly.

“The sole purpose of the CRC should be to acquire facts.”

Asked specifically what bias he had encountered in the organisation, Mr Hill refused to elaborate, saying the CRC would have to answer questions. He also said two other members has resigned.

CRC lead group member Stratton Hatfield, who said he’d only learned of Mr Hill’s resignation that morning, told The Royal Gazette he was “extremely disappointed” by the surprise move.

Asked if there was any hidden agenda behind the group’s activities, Mr Hatfield said: “No. That’s far from the case.”

He also characterised Mr Hill as “over ambitious”.

“I think it’s important for the public to be aware that we’re going to continue to focus on our objective, which is to consult the public and provide Government with an advisory document on the best approach.”

Asked if the organisation’s name might prompt lay people to believe the CRC had been created to push through reform, Mr Hatfield said: “There’s a realisation that reform is needed, but how that will happen, and what reform will occur, is still unknown.”

He added that Mr Hill had only attended two out of four CRC meetings since the group was set up in December.

Asked if the CRC would replace the position just vacated by Mr Hill, Mr Hatfield said the CRC would have to meet first to discuss yesterday’s development.

In terms of securing input from young people, Mr Hatfield said the CRC planned to hold two focus group discussions with Bermuda College students next month.

The two other members who stepped down from the 11-strong CRC were identified as lawyer Kamal Worrell, and Krystal Assan, who has left the group for personal reasons.

Contacted by this newspaper, Mr Worrell said he had recused himself rather than resigning.

He said he’d stepped over a conflict of interest between the CRC and a personal client, Michael Brangman, who is seeking to bring a law suit against Mr Dunkley over the issue of medical cannabis.

“I had to step down over a professional conflict — my client is taking legal proceedings against Mr Dunkley, because he’s applied for a licence to use medical marijuana and the Minister has refused to consider his application on the basis that he is not a medical person,” Mr Worrell said.

“That’s based on the Misuse of Drugs Act. However, based on our interpretation, the Minister has the power, but has taken the position that he can’t even consider it.”

Mr Worrell said the issue had arisen before the CRC was founded, but that his client is now looking to have a hearing on his matter next month.

Others may join his client on the legal action over medical cannabis, he said — adding: “Because of that conflict, it was best for me to step down.”