Bermuda has boasted medical cannabis since 2016 and decriminalized personal possession of seven grams or less at the end of 2017. Years later, the territory is seeing its first self-regulatory organization for the cannabis industry.
Entrepreneurs Kim Caisey and Rickai Robinson recently launched the Bermuda Cannabis Association (BCA), with a mission to foster a professional, responsible and ethical cannabis industry in Bermuda, Royal Gazette reports.
The BCA plans to collaborate closely with its members, government officials and stakeholders to develop policies and practices prioritizing the safety, quality and efficacy of cannabis products, Caisey said. The association plans to welcome individuals and members from businesses associated with medical cannabis, along with those involved in cannabis production, manufacturing, distribution and sales.
The BCA will also offer members business support and guidance to help them navigate Bermuda’s complex regulatory landscape, including focuses on compliance surrounding related laws and regulations.
Caisey also said that the BCA will work to improve the quality, health, safety and environmental practices of the industry, aiming to help set common standards for products across the industry. She hopes that this will lead to the publication of guidelines, codes of practice, information notes and further education in the industry.
Caisey developed the BCA through the Ignite Bermuda entrepreneurial accelerator program.
“Our goal is to empower and guide our members in their pursuit of excellence, ensuring that the cannabis industry in Bermuda is built on a foundation of integrity and professionalism,” she said.
As part of that effort, the BCA has also established the Bermuda Cannabis Training Program. Caisey, who graduated from Colorado’s Cannabis Training University’s virtual program, said that the BCA partnered with the institutions to offer the virtual, six-month introductory cannabis career training course in Bermuda. It will run from January through June of 2024.
“Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, our structured, six-month support programme is tailored to meet your specific needs,” Caisey said. Further courses are planned for the second half of the year, including an advanced business course for cannabis industry employees and a course for medical practitioners and their staff.
She added that the adult-only course is also open to anyone who wants to learn more about cannabis and the products they are consuming, since edibles and joints are widely available in Bermuda.
“I feel like everybody should be educated in some way, in some shape or form,” Caisey said. “The products are all over the place – gas stations, pharmacies, mom and pop stores – it’s all over.”
Caisey recognized that cannabis is still an up-and-coming industry that still faces plenty of stigma. She said that education is paramount to help change some of the prevailing attitudes around cannabis use.
“We understand that education is key to success in the cannabis industry,” Caisey said. “The Bermuda Cannabis Training Institute is committed to empowering individuals with the information and tools required to excel in the world of cannabis education and business.”
The BCA also intends to play an active role in local policy and regulation as activists continue to advocate for the full legalization of cannabis. Currently, only cannabis products with a THC content of 1% or less are legal in Bermuda.
The topic of cannabis legalization is complex in Bermuda, as the territory remains under U.K. influence. Last year, Bermuda Governor and Commander-in-Chief Rena Lalgie was “instructed” by the United Kingdom foreign secretary to refuse to give royal assent to a bill that would have legalized cannabis. According to the U.K. Parliament, royal assent is the final approval for a bill to become law.
Still, the BCA marks a major step forward as Bermuda’s cannabis industry continues to evolve.
“The BCA invites all interested parties, including individuals, cannabis businesses, entrepreneurs and stakeholders, to become members and join in its mission to shape a responsible, professional and ethical cannabis industry in Bermuda,” Caisey said.
