CISTA
British politics is stale. It is time for something new, time for a new generation to make its voice heard.
By giving me your vote on May 7, you will be electing someone who will bring your views to the heart of Westminster.
I chose to stand as a candidate for CISTA because I want to address an important issue which other politicians have constantly chosen to avoid.
In 2012 the Home Affairs Committee recommended that the government review the UK’s drug laws. Three years later and these recommendations have yet to be acted upon.
If elected to parliament I will work endlessly to bring about a Royal Commission to review the UK’s drug laws. Currently these laws are based on prejudice and misconception. It is time for our laws to be based instead on facts and evidence.
The first thing I would look to achieve from a Royal Commission is the legalisation of cannabis.
Academic research has shown that cannabis has a range of medicinal properties and benefits. Desperately ill people in Italy, Germany, Finland and many other countries can already use cannabis for medical purposes – why can’t we?
I also believe that we should follow the example of Colorado and some other US states, where cannabis is available for purchase for recreational purposes from regulated and licensed dispensaries – just like alcohol and tobacco.
This sort of legalisation would increase tax revenues by up to £1billion per year and create a regulated industry which would offer new job opportunities to thousands, while simultaneously halting the massive waste of police resources squandered prosecuting a failed War on Cannabis.
If elected to parliament I will continue to engage with the community of Hamilton West and Rutherglen, addressing the issues which matter to you most. It’s time for change.