Sadiq Khan says some cannabis possession should be decriminalised, following a major report by the London Drugs Commission. The mayor of London called on the government to consider allowing small quantities of natural cannabis for personal use.
Under current law, cannabis remains a Class B drug. Possession can lead to fines or imprisonment. However, Sadiq Khan believes some cannabis possession should be revisited, arguing that penalties are out of proportion to the actual harm caused as per the London Drugs Commission—established by Khan in 2022 and led by former lord chancellor Lord Charlie Falconer.
The commission reviewed global approaches to cannabis policing. It concluded that current laws disproportionately impact certain ethnic groups, straining community trust in law enforcement. Mayor Khan highlights how some possession issues should be decriminalised to build trust and fairness.
Instead of full legalisation, the commission recommends shifting natural cannabis from the Misuse of Drugs Act to the Psychoactive Substances Act. This move would allow personal possession but continue to ban production and trafficking. Khan finds this approach to decriminalise some possession as beneficial.
Sadiq Khan says some cannabis possession should be decriminalised because the current system is failing communities. He emphasised that the goal is not to encourage drug use but to promote fairness, improve healthcare, and focus law enforcement on more serious crimes.
“I’ve long said we need fresh thinking to reduce the harms linked to drug-related crime,” Khan stated. “This report gives a strong, evidence-based case that the government should not ignore.”
The report also called for expanded education on cannabis risks and better support services for addiction. Lord Falconer agreed that legalisation is not the answer but urged a health-led, user-focused approach. Khan’s comments to decriminalise possession align well with Falconer’s views.
He said policing should target drug dealers rather than casual users. Those who suffer adverse effects from cannabis should receive consistent medical support, not prison sentences.
Despite the findings, the government firmly rejected the idea. A Home Office spokesperson said there are no plans to change cannabis classification. “We will continue working across sectors to reduce drug use and keep communities safe,” they said. Khan says the need for some cannabis possession decriminalisation is pressing.
The Conservatives dismissed Khan’s stance entirely. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp warned that similar policies in US and Canadian cities led to increased crime and drug-related problems.
Cannabis use can fuel anti-social behaviour and cause severe mental health issues, Philp added.
Sadiq Khan says some cannabis possession should be decriminalised not as a soft-on-crime move, but to promote smarter, more effective drug policy.
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