The Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission is asking the public for its views on loosening the law surrounding possession and use of cannabis.
The commission has issued a discussion paper, titled “Cannabis Reform: Options for a Harm Minimisation Framework”, with a view to gathering opinions on the consultation questions highlighted.
The commission said, “The discussion paper examines recreational cannabis use and possession. It reviews reform models and their impacts in other jurisdictions and presents reform options for public consultation.”
The document looks at whether the importation, production, distribution and sale of cannabis should remain illegal.
It examines whether the home cultivation of cannabis for personal use should be decriminalised and if consumption and possession of cannabis should be decriminalised for minors.
Other changes looked at included whether penalties for possession and consumption of the drug should be replaced with administrative penalties, such as fines which do not result in a criminal conviction.
The authors of the report also looked at whether decriminalisation of cannabis should be limited to dried plant material and what limits on amounts that could be possessed might be imposed.
The document also examined the possibility that historic minor convictions for cannabis could be wiped clean.
The National Drug Council has been asked for comment on the survey, but no response has yet been received.
Referendum
The review was sparked by a referendum on cannabis decriminalistion, held with two other questions, alongside the general election held in April last year.
The three-question referendum asked voters to decide if Cayman should develop cruise ship piers, if there should be a national lottery and if the “consumption and possession of small amounts of cannabis” should be decriminalised.
The poll showed 60.4% of those who voted either yes or no in the referendum – as opposed to those not voting on the issue at all on their ballot – backed less restrictive cannabis laws with 39.6 against.
The full consultation paper can be read at https://publicconsultation.gov.ky/, or at www.gov.ky.
Copies can also be picked up at the Law Reform Commission offices in the Government Administration Building.
Submissions should be sent to the commission no later than 1 Sept., addressed to the Director of the Law Reform Commission.
Public views can also be submitted to [email protected].
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