Public Consultation on the Medicinal Cannabis Draft Bill and Regulations

Introduction and Background

The Government has made a commitment to improve local availability of medicinal cannabis for patients who may need to be prescribed it by a medical practitioner. This requires a new legal framework to permit domestic production (etc.) of medicinal cannabis and the formation of a new regulatory body called the Medicinal Cannabis Authority. 

To achieve this, Government has undertaken substantial research and direct consultation with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, the Chief Medical Officer, Customs Department, the Bermuda Police Service and the Department of National Drug Control. 

A general summary of that consultation is:

• regulation of clinical prescribing options by medical practitioners should stay within the oversight of the Ministry of Health and related authorities
• a new domestic cultivation and production (etc.) scheme is necessary
• licences should be available for restricted activities
• the new scheme should comply with Bermuda’s international obligations.

Proposed changes to our laws will permit certain business and personal activities which are presently unlawful to be permitted. The proposed laws will not make it any easier for people without a medical need to access medicinal cannabis. The proposed laws will not open a ‘gateway’ to recreational cannabis use in Bermuda.

Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2019 - for consulation only.pdf

Medicinal Cannabis (Licensing) Regulations 2019 - for consulation only.pdf

Request for Public Comment on the Draft Bill and Regulations

Following the direct consultation exercise, the Government wishes to open consultation to the wider public on the proposed scheme. The Draft Bill and Regulations are now available for public scrutiny and comment.

The public is asked to give general comments, but we welcome responses to the following focused questions:

Are there any additional considerations which, in your view, can help the Bill and Regulations to achieve the government’s vision?

What are your views on the regulatory powers of the new Medicinal Cannabis Authority? How can they be improved?

Can you think of any additional business interests which should be considered under the new scheme?