A major report into reform of Bermuda’s laws on cannabis has been handed over to Government.

The meat of the report will not be made public until Cabinet has discussed it — but Cannabis Reform Collective member Stratton Hatfield hinted at major changes in the pipeline.

He said that cannabis-related crime was “overwhelming the justice system and negatively affecting people’s lives.”

And he added that there was a clear divide in prosecutions along black-white lines “in terms of enforcement, incarceration and health issues.”

Mr Hatfield added that other jurisdictions had moderated their hard-line stance on cannabis.

He said that change in Bermuda laws would “realign them in the context of human rights and dignity.”

Mr Hatfield also suggested that, in line with other countries, cannabis use should become a public health issue rather than a criminal one.

The Island needed “more prevention initiatives to reduce use” which would also avoid “costly treatment” for addiction problems, he said, noting that legalising cannabis for medical use could be on the cards.

“Hundreds of people could benefit from access to medical cannabis and research.”

Mr Hatfield added that the reform group had canvassed widely, including a survey that attracted hundreds of responses, focus groups, town hall meetings and one-on-one interviews.

“Our research shows that Bermuda can create a cannabis model which is appropriate to our jurisdiction,” he said.

He added the group had also discussed possible changes to the law with the US Consul General Bob Settje as several US states had recently legalised the drug for medical and recreational use.

Mr Settje had said that federal laws against cannabis remained in place and would continue to be enforced.

But he added: “Any reform that takes place in Bermuda doesn’t have an effect in the United States.”

National Security Minister Michael Dunkley said the report would be discussed by MPs after the House of Assembly reconvenes next month.

Mr Dunkley said: “Cannabis policy in Bermuda is far-reaching, affecting our social, health and economic climate and therefore requires a holistic approach to reform.

“This reform must be done in a measured fashion.”

He added: “The level of public participation, particularly in the number of survey responses received, is indicative of the timeliness of the ongoing discussion on the future of cannabis policies in Bermuda.

“Undoubtedly, the public’s interest in local cannabis laws has been heightened by policy shifts in foreign jurisdictions related to cannabis use both for medical purposes and recreationally.”