London mayor Sadiq Khan has backed calls for the possession of small quantities of natural cannabis to be decriminalised.
Sir Sadiq said a new report, published by the independent London Drugs Commission (LDC) today, provides “a compelling, evidence-based case” for the government to consider the move.
Under current laws, cannabis is a Class B drug and people found in possession face a fine or imprisonment.
The LDC, set up by the mayor in 2022 and chaired by former lord chancellor Lord Charlie Falconer, has said the current laws on cannabis are “disproportionate to the harms it can pose”.
Its study examined how the drug is policed around the world – and also found cannabis policing “continues to focus on particular ethnic communities,” damaging their relations with law enforcement.
The commission stops short of calling for full decriminalisation and instead says “natural” cannabis should be moved from the Misuse of Drugs Act to the Psychoactive Substances Act.
Sadiq Khan walking through cannabis plants at a licensed factory in Los Angeles in 2022. File pic: PA
This would effectively legalise the possession of small amounts for personal use while continuing to prohibit importing, manufacturing or distributing the drug.
The LDC is also calling for improved addiction services and better education on the dangers of cannabis for young people.
Sir Sadiq said: “I’ve long been clear that we need fresh thinking on how to reduce the substantial harms associated with drug-related crime in our communities.”
The report “makes a compelling, evidenced-based case for the decriminalisation of possession of small quantities of natural cannabis which the government should consider,” he added.
“It says that the current sentencing for those caught in possession of natural cannabis cannot be justified given its relative harm and people’s experience of the justice system.
“We must recognise that better education, improved healthcare and more effective, equitable policing of cannabis use are long overdue.”
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Lord Falconer said: “Legalisation is not the answer. The criminal justice system response needs to focus only on the dealers and not the users.
“Those who suffer from the adverse effects of cannabis – which may be a small percentage of users but it is a high number of people – need reliable, consistent medical and other support. And there needs to be much more education on the risks of cannabis use.”
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Government and Tories respond
A Home Office spokesperson said the government “has no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a Class B substance”.
“We will continue to work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use, ensure more people receive timely treatment and support, and make our streets and communities safer,” they added.
The Conservatives have rubbished Sir Sadiq’s suggestion, with shadow home secretary Chris Philp saying: “Cannabis is associated with anti-social behaviour and heavy use can lead to serious psychosis and severed mental health problems.
“US and Canadian cities which tried this approach have ended up as crime-ridden ghettos with stupefied addicts on the streets and law-abiding citizens frightened to go there.”
