Bermuda
North America
19/100
Not ranked: British Overseas Territory
would rank #43 among countries
Simple possession of seven grams of cannabis or less has been decriminalised since 20 December 2017, while police may seize it and unauthorised use, growing and supply remain offences. Qualifying old convictions can be cleared on application. Named cannabinoid medicines have been permitted on prescription since 2014; the UK blocked the broader cannabis licensing bill in 2022.
British Overseas Territory. Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory with its own parliament and drug laws. Its laws need the Governor's assent, and the United Kingdom answers for it internationally; in 2022 the UK instructed the Governor not to assent to a bill legalising cannabis. See also 🇬🇧 United Kingdom.
In short all countries →
- Can I carry it?LimitedNot a crime, but you can be fined
- Can I grow it?NoIt is a crime
- Can I buy it?LimitedOn prescription only
- Can I use it in public?NoUse itself is an offence
- What if I'm caught?Fine or prisonUsually a fine; prison is possible
A rough guide read from the scores below, not legal advice. The details and the exceptions are in each segment: select an answer to jump to it.
- Cannabis users
- about 4,500
- Share aged 16–65
- 10.9%
People who used cannabis in the past year, from a 2009 survey, applied to today's population aged 16–65. The population is approximate: the survey ages cut through an age group, or were not recorded and ages 15–64 are used.
Source UNODC World Drug Report 2026, annex table 1.2. Population from the World Bank, aged 16–65. The whole dataset →Score breakdown ▏world average
Select a segment to show or hide the exact rules and sources. How the scores are made →
Possession · 25%3/10adds 7.5 of 25 points
Simple possession of seven grams of cannabis or less is exempt from the possession offence. Police may seize any amount, and evidence of intent to supply can still be prosecuted. Possession above seven grams remains an offence. The 2017 law did not automatically clear older convictions; a later application process allows qualifying records to be expunged.[1][2][3]
Personal cultivation · 25%1/10adds 2.5 of 25 points
Growing a plant of the genus Cannabis is prohibited unless authorised under the drug law’s regulations. The 2019 hemp definition excludes low-THC hemp from the definition of cannabis, but the cultivation clause still refers to any plant of the genus. The broader personal and commercial licensing plan was blocked in 2022.[2][4][5]
Punishment & enforcement · 20%3/10adds 6.0 of 20 points
The seven-gram exemption concerns simple possession; police retain seizure powers, and supply intent can still lead to prosecution below that weight. Cultivation, supply and unauthorised imports or use remain offences. The government’s fact sheet says the earlier caution policy for less than three grams ceased to have effect.[1][2][6]
Sharing & gifting · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
Consumption · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
Legal access · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
The 2014 law named Marinol, Cesamet and Sativex in the permitted medical schedules. Personal medical cannabis imports require ministerial authorisation; contemporary reporting of the 2016 Brangman hearing confirmed the minister’s power to consider and refuse such applications. The wider adult-use licensing bill was blocked in 2022.[7][8][2][5]
References
- Bermuda Laws — decriminalisation amendment 2017Sections 2–4 and Schedule 8; assent and operation 20 December 2017
- Bermuda Laws — Misuse of Drugs Act 1972, consolidatedSections 1, 4–12 and 25A; Schedules 2 and 8; historical amendment notes
- Bermuda Laws — Expungement of Convictions Act 2020, consolidatedSections 5–8, including 6A added in 2023
- Bermuda Laws — hemp amendment 2019Section 2: cannabis and hemp definitions; assent and operation 26 November 2019
- GOV.UK — Governor of Bermuda update on Cannabis Licensing Bill (7 September 2022)Statement dated 6 September, published 7 September; UK instruction not to assent
- Government of Bermuda — decriminalisation public awareness fact sheet2018 explanation of the 20 December 2017 amendment and remaining offences
- Bermuda Laws — Cannabinoid Pharmaceutical Products Act 2014Sections 2–5; assent and operation 22 December 2014
- Jonathan Bell, The Royal Gazette — People can apply for medical cannabis (25 November 2016)Reports 9 November hearing before Stephen Hellman in Michael Brangman’s case; minister retains discretion over applications
More context not part of the score
The 2020 policy proposed licences for personal and commercial growing, manufacturing and retail. The UK instructed Bermuda’s governor not to assent to the resulting cannabis licensing bill in 2022. Cultivation still requires legal authorisation under the existing drug law.[1][2][3]
Since November 2019, the drug law defines hemp as cannabis sativa, or any part of it, with no more than 1% THC and excludes it from the definition of cannabis. Cannabis resin is separately defined and controlled. In July 2026, the government proposed clearer compliance rules for hemp-derived consumer products already being sold.[4][3][5]
Named cannabinoid medicines have a prescription route under the 2014 pharmaceutical law, alongside the minister’s personal-import licensing powers. A 2019 proposal for locally produced cannabis for medical inhalation became part of the wider licensing debate. In July 2026, the government targeted a further medical and hemp framework for the final quarter of the year.[6][7][8][5]
The seven-gram possession exemption does not permit collective growing, supplying members or unauthorised consumption. The proposed licensing of retail and consumption premises did not become law.[3][1][2]
The seven-gram exemption applies to simple possession in Bermuda and does not authorise importing cannabis. Imports of controlled drugs require an applicable legal exception or authorisation; a personal cannabis licence remains a separate decision.[3][9][7]
People with qualifying cannabis possession convictions predating 20 December 2017 can apply for an expungement order. From the order date, Bermuda law treats the person as not having committed, been prosecuted for, convicted of or sentenced for that offence, with disclosure and employment protections. Since November 2023, certain low-penalty records omitting the weight qualify under a statutory presumption. The government says Bermuda relief does not guarantee US admission.[10][11][12]
Taking cannabis into or out of Bermuda is a separate offence from possessing it, normally charged as smuggling or trafficking, with far heavier penalties. That holds almost everywhere, including between two places where cannabis is legal.
The rules that allow or tolerate small amounts inside Bermuda do not cover the border, an airport or the post.
A prescription or medical card from another country is generally not recognised. Travellers who need a cannabis-based medicine should ask Bermuda's embassy before travelling.[13]
General guidance that applies to almost every country, not a check of Bermuda's customs rules.
References
- Government of Bermuda — Minister proposes new cannabis reform (26 February 2020)
- GOV.UK — Governor of Bermuda update on Cannabis Licensing Bill (7 September 2022)Statement dated 6 September, published 7 September; UK instruction not to assent
- Bermuda Laws — Misuse of Drugs Act 1972, consolidatedSections 1, 4–12 and 25A; Schedules 2 and 8; historical amendment notes
- Bermuda Laws — hemp amendment 2019Section 2: cannabis and hemp definitions; assent and operation 26 November 2019
- Government of Bermuda — National Security minister’s cannabis reform priorities (23 July 2026)
- Bermuda Laws — Cannabinoid Pharmaceutical Products Act 2014Sections 2–5; assent and operation 22 December 2014
- Jonathan Bell, The Royal Gazette — People can apply for medical cannabis (25 November 2016)Reports 9 November hearing before Stephen Hellman in Michael Brangman’s case; minister retains discretion over applications
- Government of Bermuda — medicinal cannabis bill consultation (18 December 2019)
- Bermuda Laws — decriminalisation amendment 2017Sections 2–4 and Schedule 8; assent and operation 20 December 2017
- Bermuda Laws — Expungement of Convictions Act 2020, consolidatedSections 5–8, including 6A added in 2023
- Bermuda Laws — Expungement of Convictions (Criminal Records) Regulations 2023BR 87/2023, new Section 6A and Schedule amendment; operative 3 November 2023
- Government of Bermuda — expungement law commencement and application launch (12 March 2021)Commenced 11 March; online applications 12 March; existing-record and US travel limitations
- International Narcotics Control Board — Travellers carrying medicines containing controlled substances
History 11 of 12 checked against a source
Score and entries per decade
19 today, from 11 before its first recorded change
This country's score Entries that moved the score Context only
Debate ✓
Bermuda prioritises hemp and medical cannabis reform
National Security minister Ryan Robinson Perinchief said drafting instructions had been issued for hemp and medical cannabis reforms, with initial implementation targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026. The hemp changes were intended to clarify compliance for products already being sold, while the medical work aimed to improve patient access. He said a wider regulated adult-use regime would take longer because of Bermuda’s constitutional relationship with the UK and the need for further coordination.
Easing ✓ Article
Bermuda helps clear cannabis records that omit the amount possessed
Bermuda allowed qualifying old possession records with no cannabis weight recorded to be treated as involving seven grams or less, where the penalty did not exceed a $1,000 fine or twelve months’ conditional discharge. The change followed a government report that roughly forty of fifty-one applications could not be processed because the records omitted the amount. The new rules also clarified that additional elements of a qualifying sentence were cleared with the conviction.
Debate ✓ Article
Bermuda’s governor blocks cannabis licensing on UK instructions
Governor Rena Lalgie announced that the UK had instructed her not to assent to Bermuda’s cannabis licensing bill as drafted. The UK concluded that its adult-use provisions conflicted with obligations under the 1961 and 1971 UN drug conventions. After Bermuda’s government shifted from a medical-only proposal towards a broader licensed market, the House passed the bill in March 2022, but the governor reserved assent for a UK decision.
Easing ✓ Article
Bermuda lets people apply to clear old cannabis possession convictions
Bermuda brought into force a process for people convicted of possessing seven grams of cannabis or less before 20 December 2017 to apply for an order clearing the conviction. The government launched online applications the next day, arguing that people convicted before decriminalisation should also benefit from reform. Old records that omitted the amount later blocked many applications, prompting new rules in 2023.
Debate ✓
Bermuda expands its cannabis plan beyond medical use
Bermuda’s government announced a broader licensing proposal covering adult use, personal and commercial cultivation, and retail sales. Attorney-General Kathy Lynn Simmons said feedback on the earlier medical-only proposal had questioned its complexity and asked for wider reform. The resulting licensing bill reached the governor in 2022, when the UK instructed her not to assent to it as drafted.
Debate ✓
Bermuda proposes locally grown cannabis for medical inhalation
Attorney-General Kathy Lynn Simmons opened consultation on a scheme for prescribed cannabis to be smoked or vaped, with a new authority licensing local cultivation and manufacturing. The proposal followed the 2014 pharmaceutical law and 2019 hemp exemption. After public feedback questioned the narrow scope and regulatory cost, the government shifted towards a wider adult-use licensing plan in 2020.
Hemp ✓ Article
Bermuda excludes hemp with up to one per cent THC from cannabis controls
Bermuda defined hemp as cannabis sativa, or any part of it, containing no more than one per cent THC and excluded it from the drug law’s definition of cannabis. The amendment was intended to allow hemp-product imports, possession, supply and sale. A medical-cannabis consultation followed in December, and the government later identified a need for clearer compliance rules for hemp-derived consumer products.
Easing ✓ Article
Bermuda decriminalises possession of up to 7 g
Bermuda removed criminal liability for simple possession of seven grams of cannabis or less, while police retained power to seize it and prosecutors could still pursue evidence of intent to supply. Cultivation, supply, importation and unauthorised consumption remained offences. The change followed a proposed caution system for amounts under three grams; a later law created an application route to clear qualifying older convictions.
1219+7 points
Debate ✓
Bermuda’s prosecutors propose cautions for small cannabis amounts
The Director of Public Prosecutions published draft guidance to divert people caught with under three grams of cannabis away from court. It proposed first and second cautions, then assessment, counselling and a drug test before a third caution, with commencement tied to criminal-procedure legislation. Bermuda later removed criminal liability for simple possession of up to seven grams in December.
Other law ✓
Bermuda’s court confirms patients can seek medical import licences
In Michael Brangman’s case, Bermuda’s Supreme Court confirmed that the minister had power to consider applications to import and possess cannabis for medical purposes, according to contemporary reporting. The minister could still refuse an application. The hearing followed the 2014 law naming prescription cannabinoid medicines and clarified an existing licensing power.
Medical ✓ Article
Bermuda allows three cannabinoid medicines on prescription
Bermuda amended its medicines and drug laws to permit prescription use of Marinol, Cesamet and Sativex, and created clearer powers to change controlled-drug schedules on medical advice. Supporters presented it as a phased approach to reform, while opposition senator Diallo Rabain criticised the exclusion of a wider range of cannabis products. The later 2016 court case concerned the minister’s power to consider personal medical import licences.
1112+1 point
Ban ≈
Bermuda first restricts cannabis
No first law is recorded here for Bermuda. Its first restrictions on cannabis are assumed to date from between the 1925 Geneva convention, which put Indian hemp under international control, and the 1961 Single Convention, which required a ban on non-medical use.
10011−89 points
Datasets not part of the score
What other organisations publish about Bermuda, and where it stands among the countries each one covers. Every file is published in full on the sources page.
Use
UNODC · 2009
Cannabis use
10.9%of adults
LowestHigher than 89% of 196 countriesHighest4,500 people · survey 2009 · ages 16–65 · UNODC 2026
Society
CEPII
Former colonial rulers
Once ruled by United Kingdom
World Bank · 2025
Government effectiveness
82of 100
67 · 199667 · 199867 · 200067 · 200267 · 200365 · 200467 · 200567 · 200667 · 200767 · 200867 · 200967 · 201067 · 201167 · 201267 · 201382 · 201482 · 201582 · 201682 · 201782 · 201882 · 201982 · 202082 · 202177 · 202282 · 202382 · 202482 · 202519962025 LowestHigher than 90% of 195 countriesHighestestimate 1.47 on a scale of −2.5 to 2.5 · 2025 · 67 in 2000 · 82 in 2015
World Bank · 2024
Income per person
$104,300per person
79,751 · 199076,368 · 199175,770 · 199277,507 · 199377,474 · 199480,431 · 199582,126 · 199685,384 · 199788,039 · 199890,294 · 199998,024 · 2000104,565 · 2001102,564 · 2002105,647 · 2003107,808 · 2004109,340 · 2005115,176 · 2006118,696 · 2007115,948 · 2008108,967 · 2009105,973 · 2010101,994 · 201196,715 · 201296,554 · 201393,046 · 201493,864 · 201593,269 · 201696,441 · 201795,643 · 201895,524 · 201988,485 · 202092,320 · 202197,943 · 2022102,269 · 2023104,300 · 202419902024 LowestHigher than 98% of 187 countriesHighestat purchasing power parity, 2021 dollars · 2024 · $79,751 in 1990 · $105,973 in 2010
World Bank · 2017
Development indicators
98.4%use the internet
0% · 19906.8% · 199516.2% · 199624.2% · 199732.1% · 199839.9% · 199942.9% · 200047.5% · 200152% · 200256.5% · 200361% · 200465.4% · 200569.9% · 200674.4% · 200782.3% · 200883.2% · 200984.2% · 201088.3% · 201191.3% · 201295.3% · 201396.8% · 201498.3% · 201598% · 201698.4% · 201719902017 LowestHigher than 96% of 195 countriesHighest100% live in towns · 17.2% aged 65+ · life expectancy 80.7 · higher education 21.8% · 2017 · 42.9% in 2000 · 84.2% in 2010
Context
Our World in Data, World Bank · 2024
Population
64,636people in 2024
LowestHigher than 4% of 196 countriesHighest
All sources 13 cited in this profile
- Bermuda Laws — Cannabinoid Pharmaceutical Products Act 2014Sections 2–5; assent and operation 22 December 2014
- Bermuda Laws — Misuse of Drugs Act 1972, consolidatedSections 1, 4–12 and 25A; Schedules 2 and 8; historical amendment notes
- Bermuda Laws — decriminalisation amendment 2017Sections 2–4 and Schedule 8; assent and operation 20 December 2017
- Bermuda Laws — hemp amendment 2019Section 2: cannabis and hemp definitions; assent and operation 26 November 2019
- Bermuda Laws — Expungement of Convictions Act 2020, consolidatedSections 5–8, including 6A added in 2023
- Bermuda Laws — Expungement of Convictions (Criminal Records) Regulations 2023BR 87/2023, new Section 6A and Schedule amendment; operative 3 November 2023
- Government of Bermuda — decriminalisation public awareness fact sheet2018 explanation of the 20 December 2017 amendment and remaining offences
- Jonathan Bell, The Royal Gazette — People can apply for medical cannabis (25 November 2016)Reports 9 November hearing before Stephen Hellman in Michael Brangman’s case; minister retains discretion over applications
- Government of Bermuda — medicinal cannabis bill consultation (18 December 2019)
- Government of Bermuda — Minister proposes new cannabis reform (26 February 2020)
- Government of Bermuda — expungement law commencement and application launch (12 March 2021)Commenced 11 March; online applications 12 March; existing-record and US travel limitations
- GOV.UK — Governor of Bermuda update on Cannabis Licensing Bill (7 September 2022)Statement dated 6 September, published 7 September; UK instruction not to assent
- Government of Bermuda — National Security minister’s cannabis reform priorities (23 July 2026)
Last updated: · 13 sources · history: 11 of 12 entries checked