Sign in Subscribe
Police departments

Sadiq Khan Calls for Decriminalization of Cannabis Possession

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is urging the government to consider decriminalizing the possession of small quantities of natural cannabis, citing the disproportionate impact of cannabis laws on ethnic minority communities. The proposal, outlined in a report from the independent London drug commission led by Lord Falconer, would remove cannabis possession from the Misuse of Drugs Act and bring it under the Psychoactive Substances Act. This would mean that possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use would no longer be a criminal offense, but importing, manufacturing, and distributing the drug would remain illegal.

Key Takeaways:

  • The London drug commission report found that cannabis laws are "disproportionate to the harms it can pose, particularly in the case of possession for personal use" and that the law is experienced disproportionately by those from ethnic minority groups, particularly London's black communities.
  • The report recommends that possession of small amounts of natural cannabis should no longer be a criminal offense, but dealing or producing the drug would remain illegal.
  • The proposal would allow police to no longer deploy stop-and-search solely on the suspicion of cannabis possession.
  • The public is divided on the legalisation of cannabis, with 45% backing it and 42% opposing it, according to a YouGov poll in January.
  • Almost three quarters (72%) of people caught with cannabis are not prosecuted, as many forces offer first offenders the chance to undergo treatment and education rather than get a criminal record.
  • The commission ruled out legalisation of cannabis because any benefits from tax revenues and reduced police workloads were outweighed by the potential long-term health effects on users.
  • The proposal is opposed by the Home Office, which has no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a Class B substance.
  • The shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, has also opposed the proposal, saying that "possession of cannabis should not be decriminalised like this."

Statistics:

  • 72% of people caught with cannabis are not prosecuted.
  • 45% of the public backs the legalisation of cannabis, while 42% oppose it (YouGov poll in January).
  • The London drugs commission report found that cannabis laws are "disproportionate to the harms it can pose, particularly in the case of possession for personal use."
  • 53% of Labour voters support the legalisation of cannabis, while 33% oppose it, and 42% of Tory voters are opposed (YouGov poll in January).

Sources:

  • Lord Falconer, "The London Drugs Commission Report" (no date provided)
  • Sadiq Khan, statement (February 2023)
  • YouGov, "Cannabis: should it be legalised?" (January 2023)
  • Home Office, statement (no date provided)
  • Chris Philp, statement (no date provided)

Read more