Britain won’t legalize weed, but the Mayor of London wants to decriminalize it

A few months after the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, ended the prosecution of cannabis possession, things are starting to take shape in relation to cannabis reform in the UK. At the moment the Mayor has set up a commission to look after the decriminalization of cannabis in the UK.

According to the BBC’s latest report, the board will be chaired by Lord Charlie Falconer QC, a former UK Minister of Justice. The commission is currently called the London Drug Commission.

After visiting California to evaluate a cannabis dispensary, Khan was really impressed with what he saw. However, Priti Patel, London’s home secretary, has ruled that Khan’s efforts are unfounded as he does not have the power to legalize drugs. According to Patel, these drugs have ruined communities, destroyed lives and torn families apart.

In his reply to the Home Secretary, Khan reiterated the need to have an open and honest conversation about the history of cannabis and cannabis laws in the UK. Khan also thinks the conversation should also include the health implications for the community. He believes the best way to do this is through the newly established Drugs Commission.

While listening offers the experts deeper insights to see and experience for themselves, learning about the herb in the field is a different experience… Khan explained

What the Commission will do

After the commission has conducted a proper and thorough investigation, appropriate proposals will be made to the government, city hall, the judicial system, public health services and law enforcement agencies. If a policy change is required, University College London will make a reasonable assessment of the impact of such changes.

It is important to note that medical cannabis use has been legal in England since 2018, however, cannabis is still classified as a Class B drug. This means that possession of cannabis is punishable by a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and/or an endless fine. Those found growing and distributing cannabis face a maximum of 14 years in prison, an endless fine, or both.

In some cases, the penalties that arrestees face vary depending on the amount of cannabis found in their possession. Factors such as previous criminal record, where the drugs were found, and other mitigating factors are also considered. In several cases, police are also immediately issuing a £90 fine for people caught in possession of cannabis.

Cannabis possession is the number one drug offense in Wales and England in 2021, according to a Parliamentary report.

No support from Khan’s party

The UK Labor Party has said it will not support Khan’s cannabis reform initiative. The party believes that it is not the mayor’s duty to push for drug policy as it is the responsibility of the national government.

Meanwhile, Steve Rolles, a policy analyst at the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, offered his opinion during an interview with BBC Radio London. He believes it would be best for the UK if they could investigate Uruguay, Mexico and various countries that have decriminalized cannabis. Rolles reiterated that her UK would certainly learn from these countries.

Similar to what Khan noted, Rolles confirmed that UK cannabis policy has not worked. Policies do not discourage youth use of cannabis and continue to criminalize these young adults, particularly black males. Rolles also pointed out that while the policy is proving ineffective, it has also caused so much money to the just system.

A fresh perspective is therefore due, and as other countries have made strides towards decriminalisation, Britain can learn from their experiences.

Do Londoners Support Cannabis Legalization?

According to a poll conducted by the Evening Standard in 2019, about 63% of Londoners would support the regulation and legalization of marijuana. However, more broadly, around 47% of people living in the UK would support the legalization of cannabis.

The poll was conducted as part of the marijuana debate campaign organized by the Evening Standard.

The poll found that the economic impact of legalizing marijuana convinced the majority (72%) to support cannabis reform. The fact remains that if cannabis is legalised, £2.5 billion will be diverted from the criminal circles into the mainstream economy.

In addition, 68% of respondents were also persuaded by the argument that the government would be able to regulate the potency of cannabis. 66% of respondents were also motivated by the idea that regulating cannabis would reduce violence.

Now the 420 traditions in London have grown with cannabis users gathering in Hyde Park on April 20th to fight for cannabis legalisation.

According to data provided by the Office for National Statistics, around 2.6 million UK residents used cannabis in 2020. This was the year the Covid pandemic hit and everyone but essential workers was stuck at home.

A common ground

One commonality both the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London stand on is that drugs are ruining lives and communities and fueling violence. Priti Patel is also right when he clarifies that the mayor has no legislative authority to enact cannabis reform. Only Parliament has the power to make such changes.

As it stands, many Londoners could argue with the Home Secretary that it could prove to be a wasted effort for the Mayor. Many believe that the establishment of the Drugs Commission is also a waste of public funds that should be used to fight drug-related crime.

On the other hand, the mayor believes that the problem of drug-related crime could be addressed more effectively. He also expressed disappointment that any approach other than enforcement is seen as soft on crime.

Conclusion

The London Drugs Commission that has just been formed will likely be able to gather strong evidence to support a change in approach. If this is the case, it will greatly influence future policy making and deliberations. However, changes in legislation will not happen any time soon.

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