The row as to how decriminalise possession of cannabis continues to gather steam with the PLP accusing Government of “once again rejecting something that they claim to support.”

At a press conference on Tuesday, PLP Senator Marc Daniels said there had already been much discussion supporting decriminalisation for possession of small amounts — and that Government needed to act “with urgency.”

“Bermudians, residents and guest visitors alike, who have been caught with small amounts of cannabis, have suffered life altering and devastating consequences for far too long,” said Sen Daniels.

Under a proposed Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2014, the PLP aims to table in the upcoming parliamentary session, possession of up to 20 grammes of cannabis will be decriminalised.

But Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley called the PLP’s proposals “reckless and not thought through”.

“The average cannabis cigarette contains about half a gramme of cannabis,” he said.

“If the PLP’s Bill became law, it would be legal for someone to possess 40 joints. This is outrageous and I refuse to believe that this is supported by the people of Bermuda.”

Responding to those remarks, Sen Daniels said: “Rather than deal with the facts, Minister Dunkley has attempted to scare the public into thinking that the PLP has proposed legalisation of cannabis — a typical response from a politician who can’t decide which side of the fence he stands on and who can’t be trusted to keep a promise.

“The PLP are clear, we want to remove penalties for possession so that no one in the future is added to the stop list and prevented from fulfilling their potential due to simple possession of marijuana.

“We hope that the OBA will back this common sense reform as they examine wider changes to our laws; however while they are working on those changes, we look forward to their support in Parliament as the PLP moves to make sure that all residents receive the same treatment as an the son of an OBA minister — a future without a criminal record for simple possession of cannabis.

“The people or Bermuda deserve real leadership on this issue, and not knee jerk reactions that jeopardise the future aspirations of our people.”