The Cannabis Regulatory Commission headed by Dr Stephen King held its preliminary meeting at the Chesterfield Police Headquarters on Tuesday. Chairman Dr King says the approach to improving the regulatory framework for Cannabis will be thorough. He explains the process that will unfold as the Commission undertakes its mandate.
Dr King says the Commission is fully aware of the strong emotion surrounding this issue and says public consultation is a must. Whatever recommendations are arrived at will come up for public discussion and debate. Law enforcement concerns will be on the front burner as the Cannabis Commission embarks on its work, given that both the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police are appointed members of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Dr King says the current Cannabis regime has not worked the world over, and therefore a new policy is needed. He says talking decriminalization or legalization is at this stage too much of a board terminology.
In the run up to the election both political parties had promised to look seriously at eth issue of Cannabis decriminalization. National Security and Justice Minister Hermangild Francis has so far indicated his intention to have island wide town hall meetings on the issue.