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This followed a study by the independent London Drugs Commission suggesting the way the drug is policed causes greater harm to society than its usage.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said the decriminalisation of cannabis possession for personal use is an ‘ongoing debate’ in the UK.
The legal status of cannabis has changed a number of times in recent years, from being a Class B drug to a Class C and back to Class B again, which is where it currently sits.
“What we need to understand is the long-term effects on society as a result of decriminalising possession,” said the commissioner.
“Will we see a rise in driving under the influence of drugs if personal possession and use is decriminalised?
“In respect of anti-social behaviour, will we see this increase?
“Will we see more county lines around cannabis if demand rises?
“Will organised crime be behind its production and supply? – wherever organised criminality is involved, we always see violence and misery, alongside exploitation of innocents and the vulnerable.
“Will more pressure be put on drug addiction recovery services? And what of the various, stronger, types of cannabis out there, how do you analyse this and draw the line?
“These are all potential considerations and consequences we need to take into account before any potential change in approach can be considered. It is not as simple as a small amount, such as possessed by one person does no, or relatively little, harm.”
Mr Allen said that cannabis is ‘quite rightly’ recognised as a drug that can, and does, cause serious adverse effects on its users, adding that any change in legislation that ‘would potentially see use of this harmful drug increase must be very carefully considered, along with the attendant issues it could bring in respect of wider health and mental health concerns’.
“Here in Cumbria, quite rightly, we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs and I have recently funded operations that target known drug dealers and producers in the county,” Mr Allen said.
“We’ve seen first-hand the effects drugs of all types have on driving and this needs to be considered.
“I’ve worked in policing and tackling criminality my whole career and have seen first-hand that drugs cause devastation to families and communities, cause untold damage and blight whole areas.
“This includes fall out from addiction, to drug-related crimes. I’ve also worked in other countries such as the Netherlands where they have legalised personal use, and in those countries, organised crime is still prevalent and involved in the production and distribution of drugs – this need to be carefully considered and tackled.
“Legislation would also need to take potential recourses into consideration if someone is caught with cannabis, or other small quantities of drugs, that does not include the justice system.
“Measures such as referrals onto addiction services, educational programmes to highlight the dangers and consequences of drugs on individuals and communities should be considered to reduce the risk of drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour that can destroy communities.
“This is entirely in line with the government’s 3 pillar approach combining enforcement, treatment and prevention to tackle illegal drug use.
“As Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, my job is to be the voice of the public and residents continually raise with me that one of their key priorities is tackling drug use in the county.
“It is my job to represent them at a local and national level so I will voice their opinions on the matter if it is raised with me at a national level.
“However, as I’ve already stated, it is for the Government to legislate appropriately and both my office and the Constabulary will respond to that in a manner that ensures Cumbria Constabulary have the means to implement this to continue to protect Cumbria’s communities.”
“}]] Cumbrian Commissioner responds to Sadiq Khan’s call for decriminalisation of cannabis possession Read More
