Christian Council, gov’t at odds over cannabis bills

THE BAHAMAS

Ahead of the passing of cannabis bills in the House of Assembly in July, The Bahamas Christian Council had urged against it, saying it fears the legislation will lead to an increase in marijuana abuse, especially among young people.

In a statement issued hours before the bills were passed, the Christian Council said it does not support the creation of a local cannabis industry or the decriminalisation of the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

According to The Nassau Guardian, the religious leaders said they support marijuana use for medical reasons only, adding this was made clear to the government during consultations.

The Christian Council stated, “As a church, we have seen the horrendous effect that marijuana has on families, including marriages, the home environment and the strain and stress marijuana use creates between children and their families.” This Council includes representatives from the Catholic Church.

The new legislation will create a controlled system for cannabis use for medical and religious purposes, overseeing all aspects of the industry from cultivation to distribution.

The legislation will remove cannabis from the list of dangerous drugs and allow for the expungement of records for individuals convicted of the possession of 30 grams or less of Indian hemp.

The Christian Council recalled the “dark period” of the 1980s when many people in The Bahamas were addicted to drugs. It said drugs, including marijuana, destroyed many lives and “led to the evolution of the deadly criminal culture” that has killed so many young men.

“We believe that decriminalising small amounts of marijuana, as well as legalising marijuana, will lead to an increase in use and abuse of marijuana in our country, especially among our young people, many of whom are already struggling from the physical and physiological effects of smoking marijuana,” the Christian Council said.

“We stand firmly against the introduction of a cannabis industry, the decriminalisation of small quantities of marijuana and the smoking of marijuana of any form and in any environment.

“We, therefore, urge the prime minister and his government to consider suspending the debate and passage of this Cannabis Bill and Regulations 2024.”

The government has said the new cannabis law will not permit recreational use of marijuana or unlicensed medical or religious use.

During debate on the legislation in the House of Assembly last July, Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis said his administration is opening the door for the creation of thousands of jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, retail and dispensary facilities, and healthcare.

However, the Christian Council said any attempt to establish a cannabis industry as an economic pillar will be an affront to God and the country’s constitution.

When contacted for comment, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville said the government obviously does not agree that creating a cannabis industry will be harmful. Darville said alcohol has “more devastating effects than marijuana”.

In a subsequent statement Darville said, “We are committed to providing Bahamians access to doctor-prescribed medical cannabis, in a way that ensures public safety, supports economic growth, and upholds the values of our community.

“We urge the Council and all Bahamians to consider the compassionate and evidence-based approach of this legislation, aimed at relieving suffering and improving the quality of life for many Bahamians.” said Darville.