London’s Mayor supports cannabis decriminalization

London Mayor Sadiq K Khan supports decriminalizing the personal possession of marijuana, after a London Drugs Commission report that recommended removing natural Cannabis from the Misuse of Drugs Act. BBC reports. Kahn stated in an interview with BBC that cannabis laws are “not justified”, and that this report makes a “compelling, evidence-based” case for their decriminalization. 

Lord Falconer said on Today, BBC Radio Four, that the “continuation of possession as an offense meant continued problems between ethnic communities and the police.” He added that the current law “doesn’t work, is disproportionate” and that “stop and search in London … is most commonly based on ‘the smell of cannabis’ and … disproportionately used against young Black men.” 

The same law applies to cannabis and other more severe drugs. We think the right thing to do is continue dealing with criminals but ensure that possessing cannabis is not illegal. — Falconer to the BBC 

Mark Rowley of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner told BBC News that amending the cannabis law is “a question for Parliament” and drugs “are at the heart of many crimes.” 

“Drug trafficking is closely related to violence.” The BBC reported that “we see many people in communities who are complaining about drug abuse and antisocial behaviors.” We’ll adjust if the law is changed, but that’s not what we are calling for. 

It also calls for improved access to medical cannabis and expanded research. 

In 2022, the mayor appointed a commission to examine potential advantages and disadvantages of decriminalizing marijuana possession.

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