DRUGS COUNSELLOR BASCOME SUPPORTS PUBLIC DEBATE ON MARIJUANA LAW

Nelson Bascome yesterday backed an MP's call for a debate on
marijuana.

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.