The Unseen Hand: Britain’s Oversight Over Bermuda’s Cannabis Legalisation

Only recently did I stumble upon a piece of news that transported me back to a historical epoch where colonial reins were held tight. It’s 2022, and I find it somewhat outrageous that the British Government have exercised their power to block cannabis legalisation in Bermuda, a self-governing British Overseas Territory. Yes, I know I am late to this news, but the sheer audacity of the act nudged me to pen down my thoughts on this imperial hangover.

The unfolding scenario is akin to a classic drama with a modern twist. Bermuda’s attempt to legalise cannabis was not born out of a whim but a well-thought-out process that commenced in December 2019 with the proposal of a draught Medicinal Cannabis Bill. This bill aimed to establish a Medicinal Cannabis Authority to oversee the cultivation, import, export, manufacturing, and transport of cannabis, among other aspects. Following a public consultation, the bill was revised to more broadly legalise and regulate cannabis for both medicinal and personal use, reflecting the global contemporary thought and the overwhelming public support in Bermuda¹.

Fast forward to May 2022, despite passing through the Bermudian legislative bodies, the bill hit a roadblock when it reached the Governor General for royal assent. The Governor, acting on instructions from the UK, reserved assent on the bill, citing inconsistencies with the UK and, by extension, Bermuda’s obligations under UN conventions. This move, as rare as it is, reflects a level of oversight that seems to undermine the autonomy of a self-governing territory. Premier David Burt, echoing the sentiment of many, declared that denying royal assent to the bill could potentially deteriorate Bermuda’s relationship with London¹.

What adds to the complexity is the recognition that the existing cannabis laws in Bermuda disproportionately harm Black islanders, an issue that the cannabis bill aimed to address. Attorney General Kathy Lynn Simmons even referred to the existing laws as a “stain of colonialism”². The UK’s intervention not only thwarts Bermuda’s attempt to modernise its drug laws but also reignites the discourse on colonial legacies and the extent of autonomy of British Overseas Territories.

The UK’s stance on the matter is clear, as it barred the government from legalising cannabis in Bermuda. This move has sparked a constitutional crisis that threatens to “destroy” relations between the UK and Bermuda?³⁴. The question that looms is, to what extent should the UK exercise its royal powers in overseas territories, especially when the legislative move reflects the popular will and is a step towards addressing historical injustices?

Bermuda’s cannabis saga is a stark reminder of the complex interplay between autonomy, colonial legacies, and the path towards legal reform. As I reflect on this, the narrative is not just about cannabis legalisation but a larger conversation on self-governance and the shadows of colonialism.

As I delve into the ramifications of this imperial tug of war, I shall keep a keen eye on how the dynamics evolve between the British Government and Bermuda regarding cannabis legalisation. The unfolding narrative holds within it not just a story of legal reform but a tapestry of historical, social, and political intricacies bound to reverberate far beyond the shores of this picturesque island. Watch this space for developments as I unravel more threads of this complex narrative in my subsequent writings. Until then, let’s keep the discourse alive and the spirit of self-governance burning bright.