A Change in Drug Laws?

Tue, 05/26/2009 - 09:42 — David Burt

As part of an editorial in today's RG, the editor raised the taboo subject of decriminalisation. I never thought I'd find an ideological ally in Bill Zuill, however this is a issue that has merit and deserves debate. Do you feel that Bermuda's drug laws should be re-examined? Do you believe such reform will help or hurt the situation in Bermuda?

The community has to look at the causes of crime and gang violence much more closely, and the fact that drugs and the profits to be made from drugs are largely responsible for this cycle of violence.

One aspect of this is to look much more closely at the so called "war on drugs", which no one would claim is being won. The oft-quoted definition of madness – doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result – applies here, not just in Bermuda but around the world.

...

The bigger debate concerns the whole question of the criminalising of drugs, particularly cannabis. There is not sufficient space here to debate that whole question, but it is a debate that is necessary. Only the entirely deluded think that drugs do no harm to the body and mind, but the criminalisation of drugs has to be set against the enormous profits, and the corruption that ensues, that the criminalisation of the drugs trade creates.

Read the whole editorial here

http://www.royalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/Article/article.jsp?a...

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Tue, 05/26/2009 - 13:57 — J Starling

Hell has frozen over then...

LOL - couldn't resist it.

But as to the issue of decriminalisation, I want to state right of the bat that I only consume alcohol and have never really seen the attraction of inhaling smoke. Much rather have liquid poison in my system. But I fully recognise that alcohol is no worse than marijuana - in fact I actually think sometimes that alcohol is a much worse drug (in terms of addiction rates, health and social welfare consequences).

Also, with the potential medicinal benefits of marijuana, as well as the potential to develop less harmful (in terms of tar and the like) varieties of marijuana, I am fully in favour of both the decriminalisation and legalisation of marijuana (two slightly different things).

The 'hard' drugs like cocaine and herion, I can't really see any justification for legalising these though. I don't think there is anyone out there who would - in their right mind - argue for their decriminalisation. But marijuana, I'm cool with that. For one thing think of the tourism potential! I'ld much rather rejuvenate our tourist industry by undermining the Netherlands in this manner (not in the Red Light manner though mind you). Heck, we're a shorther flight for the Americans, plus beaches. The biggest concern though would be the reaction of the US authorities, but how do they respond to the Netherlands as is anyway?

Now, having said I am in favour of decriminalising and legalising marijuana, I think its important to stress that thats only one part of the puzzle. The bigger question is what motivates people to abuse drugs, be it alcohol or what not? Are they trying to fill an emptiness in their lives? Are they addicted through abuse during pregnancy? Are they trying to 'be cool' and if so can we develop a different sense to 'cool'? Whether we decriminalise drugs or not, there's a reason they have a market, and if we really want to end their negative impact on our society, we need to deal with the causes of that demanc - the supply is a secondary matter.

Tue, 05/26/2009 - 18:49 — rocksolid

Refraining from Making a Dunkley Joke...

Instead, I'll address the substance of the issue.

1) Drug Tourism. Tourism would be effected both positively and negatively. While we would see a spike in drug-related tourism, these aren't the kind of tourists who are going to spend big at our shops, resorts or high end restaurants.

2) Crime. I can see it cutting both ways. There is definitely a well documented argument to be made that it will reduce crime. But, I also worry that we'll see an influx of criminals who see Bermuda as a safe haven. T

2) To Tax or Not to Tax? We haven't discussed the pros and cons of decriminalization vs. legalization. Decriminalization is currently en vogue and likely not to harm our international reputation. But, legalization enables government to tax it's consumption.

Tue, 05/26/2009 - 20:35 — oscurobranson

Interesting Article

Here is an interesting article on the whole prohibition debate.

http://www.hereinstead.com/Legalize-Drugs--Nadelmann--Foreign-Policy-Sep...

Personally I think Drug Tourism is a bad idea. I've been to Amsterdam and I couldn't imagine conservative Bermuda putting up with that. I do think that decriminalization of marijuana is well overdue. I also think that the criminal records that we give people for Marijuana possession places them on the stop list and stops them from a full range of education alternatives. I'm not sure in decriminalization will change that.

Personally I'm of the view if you decriminalize it (all of it), you remove the criminal element. I'm just not sure if Bermuda has the stomach for being the country where drugs aren't illegal. But if it works, why not!

Wed, 05/27/2009 - 02:47 — Mkai Hollis

if you decriminalize drugs in Bermuda the sole

remaining plank of the economy will be out of here in less than a year.

Re your ever so subtle Dunkley reference - Rocksolid or David or whatever you want to be called - let's not go down that road, I'm sure our dear leader won't want HIS laundry washed in such a well run forum such as this...

Wed, 05/27/2009 - 15:47 — rocksolid

Taking Offense

I am much better looking than David. I look forward to your apology.

Thu, 05/28/2009 - 10:37 — Mkai Hollis

I am very sorry

that i confused you with a semi literate low rent version of Al Sharpton.

Governor General?

Seriously?

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