BERMUDA LAWS
FOR CANNABIS
Higher Yields Cannabis Consultants offers a full range of cannabis consulting services for the island of Bermuda. Our 4-step cannabis business consultation model includes everything from startup services to scaling and expansion. If you have any questions about Bermuda laws, please contact us online or call (844) HI-YIELD.
Recent Changes to
Bermuda Laws on Cannabis
As of May 2022, the UK-appointed governor is reserving assent of the Bermuda Cannabis Licensing Bill 2022, but no final decisions have been made yet. The Secretary of State has not addressed the matter yet.
The bill must first pass in Parliament and then be granted Assent by the UK-appointed governor. The governor must then notify the Secretary of State of Foreign affairs of the decision, but ultimately the Secretary of State will be the final decision-maker.
The bill presented in March is unlikely to be passed given that it breaches the international obligations presented in UNC 1961, which is the reason for reserving the assent.
Questions on cannabis
in Bermuda?
Bermuda Laws
For Cannabis Consumption and Sale
In Bermuda, cannabis is a hot topic for business owners, locals, and travelers alike. The island is a member of the British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Along with the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, it remains a top cruise ship destination visited by hundreds of passenger vessels in any given year.
The carefree atmosphere that attracts many to Bermuda’s island culture and invites visitors to let go and relax belies the fact that, unlike many other countries around the world where cannabis has been embraced, Bermuda laws are sorrowfully behind the times.
Knowledge of the strict prohibition has been taught in an expensive lesson for a growing number of visitors from countries like the United States, Canada, and the
Netherlands. Cruisers believe that they can bring a small amount of cannabis for personal use down the gangway to enjoy later in the day with no consequences.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case in Bermuda.
According to Bermuda laws, cannabis possession can lead to immediate incarceration and fines of up to several thousand dollars. The argument that a tourist is ‘unaware’ of Bermuda laws is of little value. The best resolution for most cannabis arrests is a monetary payment.
Medical cannabis is also illegal in Bermuda. CBD products that contain .01% or less of THC are the only exceptions, and even those items are strictly regulated by Bermuda laws. They must be sold from behind the counter, and are only available to those with a prescription from a licensed Bermudan physician. Fortunately for cannabis aficionados, Bermuda laws are beginning to change.
Contact Us to discuss cannabis
Licenses in Bermuda
If you are looking to attain a license for hemp or cannabis in Bermuda Higher Yields Cannabis Consulting can help. Our team of cannabis licensing consultants and technical writers has had great success helping newcomers and experienced operators attain licenses all over the world.
Recent Legalization Efforts
In June 2020, the Bermudan government released a draft of a bill that would establish a legal marijuana market on the island’s self-governing territory. This proposed legislation would permit individuals 21 years of age or older to legally purchase up to 7 grams of cannabis from licensed dispensaries. This bill would dramatically change Bermuda laws regarding cannabis consumption and sale.
A national cannabis Advisory Authority (CAA) would be established to process licensing and oversee market regulation. Proposed licensing categories will comprise:
- Research
- Cultivation
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Transportation
- Import/Export
Lawmakers in Bermuda have also drafted legislation to create a medical cannabis program. Public feedback on the new proposed Bermuda laws sent a strong message to the government that a large majority of residents within Bermuda believe that cannabis should be legalized for adult use altogether.
The fact of the matter is that Bermuda is just one of several island nations in the region exploring the positive aspects of cannabis legalization and its impact on tourism. Tobago, Jamaica, Trinidad, and even the conservative U.S. Virgin Islands are also working on updating their cannabis laws.
More and more of the world’s travelers choose to embark on trips to places where they can enjoy their cannabis without any legal concerns. As a result, the economic benefits of dispensing with antiquated legislation have become increasingly apparent, and we hope that Bermuda laws will change accordingly.
Higher Yields Consultants help cannabis investors, entrepreneurs, businesses achieve success. We also regularly assist clients with a full range of consultation services, including licensing, marketing, branding, and onsite management. We’re ready to help you understand Bermuda laws as you plan your next cannabis endeavor, and all of your exciting cannabis industry projects.
Last updated: July 2022