BPA President: Government Only Has One Chance to Get It Right

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – More than a year after the Cannabis Bill was passed, the promised authority to regulate the industry still hasn’t materialized.

The legislation, passed last July, legalized the drug for medical and religious use.

Government also promised that an authority would be in place earlier this year, with cabinet reviewing names for approval, but so far, nothing.

Last month, speaking at the Corporate Administration Registry Services Business Seminar, Attorney General, Ryan Pinder told us he’d like to see a fully functioning authority within sixty days.

However, Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association President Dr. Marvin Smith had this response to the AG’s comments:

“I’m surprised the AG says he wants to see something happen, he’s a part of the government, if he wants it to happen, he can make it happen. We passed this law in October of last year, and to my knowledge, the only thing that has happened is they have appointed a board,” he said.

“Bahamians should not expect that you can wave a wand, pass a bill today and tomorrow, [and] this [is] what [we’re doing]. The infrastructure…has to be put in…,” he said.

Many, including Former Marijuana Commission Co-chairman Bishop Simeon Hall have also voiced concerns about the delay.

Meanwhile, Dr. Smith says he understands the setbacks, and he adds that the government has only one chance to get it right.

“So if the delays results in something that works down the road, personally for me I’m comfortable with that, and I know for our association and our members we don’t want a halfway system…,” Smith said.