Pubdate: Tue, 13 May 2014
Source: Latin American Herald-Tribune (Venezuela)
Copyright: 2014 Latin American Herald-Tribune
Contact: http://www.laht.com/Contacts.asp
Website: http://www.laht.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5047

BERMUDA URGED TO DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA

HAMILTON, Bermuda -- A government-appointed task force is recommending
the decriminalization of marijuana in this Overseas British Territory
and urging Bermuda authorities to take "immediate action to enable
access to medical cannabis with a prescription".

Current drug policy squanders resources and ruins lives, as career
options become limited once a criminal record is established, the
Cannabis Reform Collaborative said in a 137-page report.

Among the CRC's recommendations are the introduction of a less
punitive warning regime, an end to racial profiling in the legal
system, increasing the legal drinking age to 21 and more spending on
cannabis education and prevention.

"Where it is found that reform is in fact warranted, changes will only
be made in a measured fashion with careful consideration of the
Bermudian context," National Security Minister Michael Dunkley told
legislators last Friday in presenting the document.

Caribbean countries have been discussing the idea of decriminalizing
marijuana for medicinal purposes and a report on the issue is be
discussed at July's summit of regional leaders in Antigua.

The CRC report notes that a "phased approach to cannabis reform offers
the benefits of assessing, establishing and implementing long-term
plans that focuses on more efficient prevention initiatives, effective
treatment programs that are supported by the Ministry of Health and
sensible, society-guided regulations that our community
understands."

"Medical access should be a top priority in this phased approach," the
CRC said, pointing to "a significant and growing body of research
(that) continues to highlight and expand the medical potential of cannabis."

The primary advantage of decriminalizing marijuana use would be that
"a sizeable portion of society will no longer be criminalized," the
report says.

"Avoiding criminal offences will have a positive impact on the lives
of these people, as they will have a better chance to obtain
employment or schooling abroad. This may ultimately have a positive
effect on society as a result," the CRC suggested.

While funds now spent on arresting and incarcerating pot users could
be diverted to education and prevention programs.

"With an increase of prevention initiatives... Bermuda will continue
to see a decrease in substance use and abuse," the report states.
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MAP posted-by: Matt