Decriminalise cannabis – mayoral hopefuls

TWO West Midlands mayoral candidates have said they want to decriminalise cannabis.

Jenny Wilkinson (Lib Dems) and Steve Caudwell (Green) have both declared their support for full legalisation.

Last week it was revealed that a majority of British people support the legalisation of cannabis, with a YouGov poll showing that 52 per cent of respondents were in favour.

The poll followed an announcement by London Mayor Sadiq Khan that he would look to set up an independent London drugs commission to examine the potential health, economic and criminal justice benefits of decriminalising the Class B drug if re-elected in May.

Ms Wilkinson said: “I’m fully in support of existing Liberal Democrat policy in that we should legalise cannabis and create a regulated market for its production and sale.

“I fully support an opportunity to trial such a market. Unfortunately, this decision lies with a closed-minded Home Office (via both Conservative and Labour Home Secretaries) that refuse to accept the reality of the harm our government’s support of a black market causes.

“So, as mayor, I’ll lobby the government to take this matter seriously.

“The legislation around drugs causes more harm than the substances themselves.

“I support a regulated market, which would control the strength and quality of the supply of cannabis.

“This also would unlock the opportunity for proper research into the benefits of a controlled supply of cannabis. It’s generally known to have potential benefits in the area of pain relief, but also some possible breakthrough treatment for psychosis.

“Safe packaging, with clear labelling and easy-to-obtain guidance and education, will all help to alleviate the harm that the current black market control of drugs causes.

“We can then have proper, open discussions with young people in schools and colleges.

“Not all young people take drugs.

“But we need to stop kidding ourselves that some people don’t experiment, and, like with discussions around sex, we want people to understand the inherent dangers in risky behaviour, and learn to manage them in a safer manner (whilst promoting the only risk-free way of drugtaking, is to not take them at all).

Mr Caudwell said: “The Green Party has a well-researched and comprehensive drug policy.

“Cannabis decriminalisation isn’t just popular – it’s supported by evidence, it’s the de facto position already (according to Cressida Dick), and it acknowledges the reality that cannabis is actually a far less harmful drug than alcohol.

“I welcome Sadiq Khan’s intention – although it’s worth pointing out that Sian Berry has been calling for this for years and would look at doing the same if elected in the West Midlands.”

■ Those standing for mayor are: Liam Byrne (Labour), Steve Caudwell (Green Party), Pete Durnell (Reform UK) Andy

Street (Conservative), Jenny Wilkinson (Liberal Democrats)