Half Of Guernsey’s Deputies Support Cannabis Decriminalization

Guernsey is the second-largest island located in the English Channel, and a self-governing British Crown dependency. Guernsey, which is located near the French coast, has experienced increasing momentum for cannabis policy modernization in recent years.

A survey of policymakers in Guernsey was conducted back in 2022, asking if they supported cannabis reform, and more than half expressed support for at least taking a look at how cannabis is governed. A more recent survey has found that half of Guernsey’s deputies currently support reform.

“Half of Guernsey’s deputies support decriminalising cannabis, according to research by the BBC.” reported BBC in its local coverage. “Eleven of the island’s 38 politicians have said they are either undecided on the issue, or will wait to see any proposals before making a decision.”

“While four have expressed their opposition, while (sic) 19 supported plans to decriminalise the Class B drug locally.” the outlet also reported.

Even if the current push to update Guernsey’s cannabis laws proves to be successful at a local level, there is no guarantee that the modernized policy approach will be enacted. This is due to the concept of ‘royal assent.’ A somewhat recent example of the royal assent concept blocking cannabis policy reform can be found in the unfortunate case of Bermuda.

A historic cannabis reform measure was passed by lawmakers in Bermuda in 2022. However, because Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, all new laws have to receive royal assent, signifying the monarchy’s approval of the locally approved law.

The Governor of Bermuda at the time, who was appointed by the United Kingdom, did not provide royal assent to Bermuda’s measure, effectively vetoing the approved measure. In 2023, the denial of royal assent was hinted at in Guernsey, and there is currently no evidence that the monarchy’s opinions have changed on the matter.