Cannabis Constitutional Crisis? – Hemp | weed | marijuana

Has the UK sparked a constitutional crisis in Bermuda by blocking cannabis legalization?

The tiny North Atlantic archipelago consists of 181 islands. They are a British Overseas Territory but have elections and make their own laws.

It is rare for Britain to intervene in this way.

What happened?

On Tuesday, when Liz Truss became Britain’s new prime minister, officials in Bermuda determined that the cannabis licensing law would not go into effect.

Unlike Canada, which has a governor-general appointed by the prime minister, the governor of Bermuda is appointed by the United Kingdom.

Like Canada’s governor, this position is usually nothing more than a stamp on the legislature. On Tuesday, however, the governor of Bermuda said: “I have now received an instruction given to me on behalf of Her Majesty not to vote the bill as it stands.”

The reason?

“The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has concluded that the Act as currently drafted is inconsistent with the obligations of the United Kingdom and Bermuda.”

Refers to international anti-drug conventions dating back over sixty years.

It is not known whether the new British Prime Minister made the decision herself. However, as a former Secretary of State, she was probably involved.

Constitutional crisis of cannabis in Bermuda

Independence from Britain has always been an issue in Bermuda. Still, this latest intervention to block cannabis legalization goes a step too far.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Bermuda Attorney General Kathy Lynn Simmons said the UK’s intervention was “disappointing but not surprising given the limitations of our constitutional relationship with the UK government and its archaic interpretation of the Narcotics Treaties”.

“The people of Bermuda have democratically expressed their desire for a regulated cannabis licensing system following strong approval at the ballot box and an extensive public consultation process.

“The Government of Bermuda intends to continue to advance this initiative to the fullest extent of its constitutional authority consistent with our commitment to the voting platform for the 2020 general election.”

Bermuda Prime Minister David Burt previously said: “If Her Majesty’s representative in Bermuda does not agree to something that has been lawfully and legally passed under this local government, it will destroy the relationship we have had with the UK.”

The Bermuda opposition party has called cannabis legalization a “smoke screen” to push for independence.

What the hell, Truss?

This intervention in Bermuda’s democratic process is one of Liz Truss’ first steps as Britain’s new Prime Minister.

While some will roll their eyes and think “typically conservative,” the truth is more puzzling. Liz Truss has supported the legalization of cannabis in the past. Should Britain ever legalize, they have their best chance now with Truss as PM.

So what happened? It’s too early to say or speculate. But as always, money and lobbying probably played a big part.

Or maybe someone is playing a long game. Maybe it was to provoke a constitutional crisis in Bermuda.

Details of the cannabis law that led to a constitutional crisis in Bermuda

The Cannabis Licensing Act would have created a new regulatory bureaucracy if it had received royal assent. They would have managed cannabis business licenses and made policy recommendations for future changes.

Cannabis would have been legal for adults over the age of 21. They could have owned up to seven grams. Cultivation licenses should also be available.