| Law Title | Act Number | Year | Link |
|---|
| Cannabis Licensing Act 2021 | Cannabis Licensing Act 2021 | 2021 | View Document |
| Medicinal Cannabis Act 2019 & Licensing Regulations 2019 | N/A | 2019 | View Document |
| Cannabis Amendment Act 2021 | MISUSE OF DRUGS AMENDMENT ACT 2017 | 2021 | View Document |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| General Overview | |
| Location | Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. |
| Population | Approximately 64,000 (2023 estimate). |
| Economy | Heavily reliant on international business, insurance, and tourism as key economic sectors. |
| Cannabis History & Culture | Cannabis remains illegal under Bermuda’s Misuse of Drugs Act 1972 but has seen reforms with decriminalization for small amounts and efforts to establish a regulated market. |
| Current Legal Status | |
| Personal Use | Decriminalized for possession of up to 7 grams since 2017. Cultivation and larger possession amounts remain illegal. |
| Medicinal Use | Legal for limited medical purposes; patients may import up to 2,000 grams annually. |
| Recreational Use | Illegal. Proposals for regulated recreational use have faced political and constitutional challenges. |
| Restrictions | Cultivation, large-scale possession, and unlicensed sales are prohibited. Regulations focus on protecting young people and ensuring safe access. |
| Projected Market Data | |
| Market Size Forecast | Potential multi-million-dollar annual revenue if fully legalized and regulated. |
| Licensing Revenue | Annual fees range from $500 (transport) to $30,000 (manufacturing). |
| Economic Impact | Expected to create jobs and attract tourism-focused cannabis events and wellness programs. |
| Cannabis Industry & Economy | |
| Key Players | – Cannabis Advisory Authority: Established to oversee licensing and provide recommendations on cannabis policies. – Legislation: The Cannabis Licensing Act 2020 seeks to establish a regulated cannabis industry. – Social Justice Bermuda (SJB): Advocates for equitable cannabis reform to benefit marginalized communities. |
| Economic Potential | Legalization offers opportunities for economic diversification, tourism integration, and social equity programs. |
| Commercial Initiatives | Proposed licensing system includes cultivation, manufacturing, retail sales, import/export, and research licenses. Special event licenses may allow for cannabis tourism and festivals. |
| Research & Development | |
| Academic Partnerships | Potential collaborations with international institutions to develop research frameworks. |
| Research Focus | Developing medicinal cannabis products, identifying therapeutic benefits, and ensuring compliance with international standards. |
| Potential Collaborations | Opportunities exist with Canadian regulators and global pharmaceutical companies for knowledge exchange and product development. |
| Cultural & Social Dynamics | |
| Cultural Acceptance | Strong advocacy from groups like Social Justice Bermuda; public surveys show growing support for legal reforms. |
| Social Programs | Focus on expungement of minor cannabis-related offenses and equitable licensing for marginalized groups. |
| Community Impact | Decriminalization aims to reduce stigma and promote safe, regulated use. |
| Environment & Sustainability | |
| Agricultural Practices | Proposed regulations to include sustainable practices for cultivation and waste management. |
| Environmental Challenges | Managing the ecological impact of cultivation, particularly on land and water resources. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Licenses and regulations aim to promote eco-friendly business practices. |
| Challenges & Opportunities | |
| Challenges | – Opposition from the UK on full legalization under UN conventions. – High costs for entry into the industry for small businesses. – Developing a robust regulatory framework amidst public skepticism. |
| Opportunities | – Tourism integration through cannabis lounges and events. – Equity-focused licensing programs. – Positioning Bermuda as a leader in sustainable cannabis practices. |
| Key Recommendations | |
| For Policymakers | – Advance legal reforms in line with public opinion and international best practices. – Develop an equitable licensing framework to include marginalized communities. – Focus on public education campaigns to address misconceptions and promote safe use. |
| For Investors | – Leverage Bermuda’s strategic location to target North American and European markets. – Focus on high-value segments such as manufacturing, wellness tourism, and research collaborations. – Establish partnerships with local stakeholders to ensure compliance and community support. |
| For Communities | – Engage in policy discussions to ensure inclusive industry development. – Support community-driven education and awareness programs. |
| Licensing | |
| Cultivation License | Two tiers: Personal use (small-scale cultivation) and commercial cultivation (larger operations). |
| Retail License | Allows for the sale and on-site consumption of cannabis products. |
| Analytical Testing License | Proposed under the Cannabis Licensing Act for product quality assurance. |
| Manufacturing License | Two tiers: Edible products and other manufacturing processes. |
| Research License | Supports scientific exploration and development of medical cannabis applications. |
| Transport License | Permits the transport of cannabis between approved locations under strict regulations. |
| Special Event License | Temporary licenses proposed for tourism-related activities. |
| Annexes and References | |
| Key Documents | – Cannabis Licensing Act 2020 – Misuse of Drugs (Decriminalization of Cannabis) Amendment Act 2017 – Regulated Cannabis Market Policy for Public Consultation (2020). |
| References | – Bermuda Drug Information Network (BerDIN) 2018 Survey – Ministry of Legal Affairs Consultation Documents. |
| Call to Action | |
| Next Steps | Investors are encouraged to contact the International Society of Cannabis (ISC) at investors@is-cannabis.com for detailed guidance on licensing guidelines, market data, partnership opportunities, and connecting stakeholders with relevant Bermudian authorities. |