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Drugs counsellor Bascome supports public debate on marijuana law
Nelson Bascome yesterday backed an MP's call for a debate on marijuana.
11-25-06|Bermuda Sun

Health Minister Bascome, speaking as a drugs counsellor, said: "In other jurisdictions, especially in the western U.S. and Canada, debates have been able to formalize policy and with that being said, we would expect a debate in Bermuda to formalize [our position] and not continue to frustrate those advocates for or against."

Earlier this week Dale Butler, who as Minister of Rehabilitation, would be expected to spearhead any debate, said he supports the idea, too, but that personally he is dead against decriminalization.

His position appears unchanged from three years ago when he said the matter should be put to the people.

Back then he told us: "It's an issue that needs greater public discussion and to be put to a referendum that would be binding for a 10 or 15 year period."

MP Ashfield DeVent's talked to us about the need for a fresh debate two weeks ago. Yesterday he said he was pleased to hear he's got the support of Mr. Bascome, who has intimate knowledge of the drugs issue having worked at Focus Counselling Services.

But the issue is bigger than any single person's point of view, he said, adding: "That's my reason for calling on Government to have a reasonable and open debate."

Last night Mr. Butler said: "The decision concerning public discussion has to be made by the PLP."

Mr. Bascome, meanwhile, said Mr. Butler's position reflects not just his own views, but also that of his technical officers, which includes the National Drugs Commission. And while Mr. Bascome supports a debate, he does not appear to support softening the laws.

He told us: "As a counsellor I know that marijuana has created issues for lots of our young people and the debate continues to rage on about its medicinal properties and benefits. I was always confronted by people believing that the smoking of marijuana is medicinal, which it certainly is not." If nothing else, he believes a thorough study would put what he considers misconceptions to rest.

The U.K. conducted an in-depth study of marijuana earlier this year. It appointed a Science Select Committee to look at how drugs are classified according to the amount of harm they do.

Health wise, alcohol and tobacco were considered far more harmful than marijuana. Mr. DeVent said he's sure the same would ring true in Bermuda - but again, we need the facts and not arguments based on dubious information.

The MP hopes the Government will initiate what he's asking for, if not, as a last resort he may address the issue through a Private Members Bill.