Governor reserves assent on cannabis legalisation Bill
“I hope that Bermudian officials will work together with UK officials to find a way forward"
Friday, May 13, 2022
A decision by Rena Lalgie, the Governor, to reserve assent on the Government’s controversial flagship cannabis legislation plunged Bermuda into uncharted constitutional waters. But the Governor urged Bermuda officials to work with the British Government to find a compromise in comments which seemed to suggest she was trying to avoid a constitutional crisis. David Burt, the Premier, has previously stated that if the move to legalise consumption and production of the drug was not granted Royal Assent it would “destroy” relations with London. The Governor said in a statement that the Cannabis Licensing Act 2022 appeared to her to be “inconsistent” with what she understood to be obligations held by the UK and Bermuda under UN Conventions. (See also: Government says it is waiting to hear from UK on cannabis law)
