London Mayor Calls for Decriminalization of Cannabis Possession Amid Police Community Relations Concerns

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the government to consider decriminalizing possession of small amounts of natural cannabis, citing concerns about the disproportionate impact of current laws on ethnic minority communities. A report from Khan's independent London drug commission, led by former Labour justice secretary Lord Falconer, found that cannabis laws are damaging police-community relations, particularly in London's black communities.

Key Takeaways:

• The London drug commission, led by Lord Falconer, recommended decriminalizing possession of small amounts of natural cannabis, while dealing or producing the drug would remain illegal.
• The commission found that cannabis laws are experienced disproportionately by ethnic minority groups, particularly London's black communities, who are more likely to be stopped and searched by police on suspicion of cannabis possession.
• The report suggested that police would no longer be able to deploy stop and search solely on the suspicion of cannabis possession, and that individuals caught in possession could be offered counselling and education.
• The commission rejected full legalisation of cannabis, citing concerns about its potential long-term health impacts on users.
• According to a YouGov poll, the public is divided on cannabis legalization, with 45% in favor and 42% against.
• Tory voters were two to one against legalisation, while Labour voters were in favor by 53% to 33%.
• The commission noted that evidence from the US has been mixed, with some states reporting reductions in crime and tax revenue gains, while others have seen an increase in drug use and hospital admissions.

Statistics:

• 72% of people caught with cannabis are not prosecuted as police forces have adopted schemes where first offenders are offered the chance to undergo treatment and education rather than get a criminal record.
• 45% of the public supports cannabis legalization, according to a YouGov poll in January.
• 42% of the public opposes cannabis legalization, according to a YouGov poll in January.
• 72% of Tory voters oppose cannabis legalization, while 64% of Labour voters support it.

Sources:

• "London drugs commission: decriminalise cannabis possession, urges Sadiq Khan's commission", The Telegraph
• "Cannabis is illegal for a reason, says shadow home secretary Chris Philp", The Telegraph
• "YouGov poll: public divided on cannabis legalization", The Telegraph
• "London drug commission report on decriminalizing cannabis possession", The Independent London drug commission