Should the UK decriminalise marijuana? London Standard readers answer

A poll of Standard readers has revealed that more than half believe that cannabis should be decriminalised in the UK.

An independent commission set up by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan announced that possession of small amounts of marijuana in the UK should be decriminalised – which got tongues wagging across the city.

As it stands, the maximum penalty for possession of the Class B drug cannabis is up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. At the same time, it remains the country’s most popular illegal drug. In England and Wales, 30 percent of adults aged between 16 and 64 have tried the drug at least once, according to the annual crime survey.

It would also open the door for government regulation of the production, sale, and consumption of cannabis, for example with dispensaries and taxes on products.

We asked The Standard’s readers if they believe cannabis should be decriminalised.

Of 119 readers asked, 59.9 per cent supported the decriminalisation of cannabis, whilst 40.2 per cent did not.

Sir Sadiq Khan set up the London Drugs Commission in 2022. The independent commission has now recommended that “natural” cannabis should be moved from the Misuse of Drugs Act to the Psychoactive Substances Act.

It would mean police stop-and-searches could not take place solely because someone is suspected of possession and could only be carried out when someone is suspected of supplying or trafficking.

Sir Sadiq said: “”I’ve long been clear that we need fresh thinking on how to reduce the substantial harms associated with drug-related crime in our communities.”

He added that the report, “makes a compelling, evidenced-based case for the decriminalisation of possession of small quantities of natural cannabis which the government should consider”

“It says that the current sentencing for those caught in possession of natural cannabis cannot be justified given its relative harm and people’s experience of the justice system.

“We must recognise that better education, improved healthcare and more effective, equitable policing of cannabis use are long overdue.”

It is not down to the Mayor to decide whether cannabis should be legalised. Sir Keir Starmer’s government has categorically opposed its legalisation, with the Home Office confirming that the government has no intention of reclassifying the drug.