NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville yesterday assured that the Cannabis Bill and Regulations 2024 includes strict regulations and controls to ensure that medical cannabis is used responsibly and safely.
This assurance comes as the Bahamas Christian Council voiced concern, stating that it does not support the legislation in its current form.
The Bahamas Christian Council emphasized that while they understand and support the introduction of cannabis for medicinal use, they stand firmly against the introduction of a cannabis industry, the decriminalization of small quantities of marijuana, and the smoking of marijuana in any form and in any environment.
Dr. Darville stated: “We believe that Bahamians whose medical conditions cause pain and suffering not relieved by other treatment or medication are deserving of the relief that medical cannabis can offer. The primary objective of the legislation is to provide relief to individuals suffering from chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and other debilitating conditions. Medical cannabis has been scientifically proven to offer significant therapeutic benefits. For many patients, it provides relief when conventional treatments have failed.”
He added: “We want to assure the Bahamas Christian Council and the public that the legislation includes strict regulations and controls to ensure that medical cannabis is used responsibly and safely. Only licensed medical practitioners will be able to prescribe cannabis, and dispensaries will be strictly regulated. Regarding the economic opportunities for Bahamians arising from the legalization of medical cannabis, we are committed to ensuring that such opportunities are fairly distributed, just as we are committed to supporting small farmers and local businesses and preventing any concentration of the industry in the hands of a few.”
Dr. Darville also stated that a regulated cannabis market could reduce illegal drug activities by providing safe, legal access to those in need.
“The decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis is also a matter of social justice. Too many Bahamians – especially our young men – have had their opportunities limited for minor offenses. We do not believe that possession of less than one ounce of cannabis should limit one’s ability to positively contribute to society. We share the goal of reducing the use of cannabis by young people. The legislation includes strict measures to prevent underage access. Retail establishments will be monitored, and public education campaigns will be launched to inform citizens about the safe use of medical cannabis and the importance of keeping it out of the hands of minors,” said Dr. Darville.
He continued: “We also respect the cultural and religious practices of Rastafarians, allowing for the sacramental use of cannabis in a controlled and respectful manner. This inclusion acknowledges their traditions while maintaining strict oversight.”
The Christian Council argued that it had deep concerns about several items in the present bill and regulations.
“During discussions with the Bahamas Christian Council and our subcommittee on this subject, the Bahamas Christian Council made it clear that as a body, most supported the legalization of cannabis for medicinal use only. The council, through its representatives, was clear in its objection to any other proposed use of cannabis including marijuana for recreational use, the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana, and the development of a cannabis industry,” the Christian Council said in a statement on Wednesday.
It added: “We have taken note of assurances by the government that the introduction of a cannabis industry would be good economically for The Bahamas and would result in the creation of thousands of jobs. We would like the record to reflect clearly that at no time did we agree to nor do we support the creation or development of a cannabis industry in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. We are not convinced that this is the best use of our creative and industrial talent as a people and do not support the idea that The Bahamas, now known internationally for our sun, sand, sea, and people, should now become known globally as a cannabis, hemp, or marijuana-producing nation.”
The Council continued: “We don’t see any positive return for The Bahamas by entering into the cannabis or hemp industry but instead see this as a dangerous and potentially damaging initiative that can lead to an increase in criminal activity and the further destruction of our communities inclusive of our homes, which is the fabric of our society. We also stand opposed to the use of any crown land to create marijuana fields for the purpose of harvesting and selling cannabis locally, domestically, or internationally.”
The Council urged the Prime Minister and his government to consider suspending the debate and passage of the Cannabis Bill and Regulations 2024.
“We believe that the government should publish and promote the findings of any and all research and data to indicate the effects that decriminalization or the legalization of marijuana would have on our society, especially among our young people and most especially its potential impact on the life and livelihood of our citizens in New Providence as well as in our Family Islands. We also believe that the government should publish and promote the findings of any and all research and data to indicate the effects of introducing a cannabis industry would have on our country and its citizens, most especially its impact on the community and our way of life in New Providence and in our Family Islands. Without the aforementioned initiatives completed, documented, and shared with the citizens of the country, we cannot support the cannabis bill and regulations in their current form.”
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