Two prominent Cayman Islands lawyers have welcomed the government’s decision to refer the decriminalization of ganja to the Reform Commission, following the referendum earlier this year that backed both cannabis reform and the creation of a national lottery.
Richard Barton, president of the Cayman Islands Legal Practitioners Association, said the referral to the Reform Commission marked an important step toward aligning the law with the views of Cayman society. Barton, who has long advocated for more progressive cannabis laws, explained that the government’s action demonstrated a genuine commitment to evaluating public opinion and addressing it through legal change.
“The recent update from the government and the Reform Commission as to the progress made in the wake of the referendum result on ganja decriminalization is welcomed,” Barton said. “Their efforts to examine this pivotal issue and to explore practical solutions for reform demonstrate a readiness to deliver laws that reflect the community’s expressed views.”
The Reform Commission confirmed that Cabinet had formally referred the issue to them following the April referendum. Their mandate requires them to first consider the scope of the referral, then provide advice to government and recommend timelines for next steps. Officials explained that the timeframe would depend on the complexity of the legal questions, the level of public consultation required, and the depth of legal analysis.
Already, the Reform Commission has produced a draft paper outlining the legal, regulatory, and policy aspects of decriminalization. Research has been carried out on international models, particularly in countries such as Jamaica and Bermuda, which have adopted more flexible approaches to cannabis possession and cultivation.
Attorney Orrie Merren, who co-authored a reform paper with psychiatrist Dr. Marc Lockhart, praised the Reform Commission for its track record of thorough analysis. He noted that while the current referral focuses narrowly on possession and consumption of small amounts of cannabis, the conversation could expand to include limited cultivation and medical cannabis regulation. Merren also underscored the importance of compliance with international law, Cayman’s constitutional rights, and anti-money laundering obligations, especially with an upcoming FATF evaluation.
Merren added that he and Lockhart intend to provide written submissions during the public consultation stage, offering legal and medical insights to guide the Reform Commission.
Both attorneys agreed that while reform is needed, protective measures must safeguard children and young people. Merren emphasized that cannabis use before the age of 25, without medical supervision, poses developmental risks.
As the Reform Commission continues its work, the Cayman Islands faces a critical moment in shaping modern, fair, and socially responsible cannabis laws.
