MPs say UK should follow USA’s lead and legalise cannabis

A number of MPs are arguing cannabis should be decriminalised in the wake of a report slamming the UK’s drug policy.

MPs from both major parties, as well as former deputy Primer Minister Nick Clegg and former health minister Norman Lamb, have backed the report that labelled the Government’s attempts to curb cannabis use as “embarrassing”.

“The Government strategy is based around three main pillars: reducing demand, restricting supply and building recovery. All three are failing,” the report from liberal think-tank The Adam Institute said.

6.7 per cent of UK adults aged 16-59 have used cannabis in the past 12 months making it the most widely used illegal drug in the country according to the Home Office.

Mr. Clegg, Mr. Lamb and Tory and Labour party members say the UK should follow the example set by the USA where it is legal to smoke marijuana recreationally in nine states following the recent US Presidential Elections.

“British politicians need to open their eyes to what is happening in the rest of the world,” Mr. Clegg told The Independent.

“Cannabis prohibition is being swept away on a tide of popular opinion and replaced with responsible legal regulation. Now is the time for ministers to start writing the rules for this legal market, including age limits and health warnings, so that we can finally take back control from the criminal gangs," he added.

It’s thought the Treasury would cash in on the taxation of cannabis sales and criminal justice savings to the tune of £1bn if the drug was made legal.

Mr. Lamb described the UK as being in the “dark ages” in terms of drug policy.

“Prohibition is harmful and counter-productive, helping neither to reduce drug use nor the risks to public health. While other countries and US states are increasingly coming to adopt a more enlightened approach to drug policy, we are stuck in the dark ages, filling the pockets of criminals and perpetuating the stigma which prevents so many drug users from seeking help," said Mr. Lamb.