The UK cannabis policy can be characterized as an extremely strict and prohibitive approach to cannabis possession, use, and distribution.
While some may argue that this policy has its merits, others claim that it is absurd and lacks harm reduction, as well as being inconsistent with evidence-based policy-making. Some point to the successes of cannabis policy reform in the United States as an example of how the UK could improve its approach.
Draconian Penalties
The UK’s Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 classifies cannabis as a Class B drug, which means that it is illegal to possess, distribute, or cultivate the plant. Possession can lead to up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both, while supplying or producing cannabis can result in up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
Despite these strict penalties, the enforcement of cannabis laws varies by jurisdiction, with some police forces focusing on more harmful drugs or larger-scale distribution.
Critics argue that the UK’s cannabis policy is absurd for several reasons:
Lack of harm reduction:
The prohibitionist approach to cannabis is said to discourage safe and regulated access to the drug, which in turn can lead to increased risks for users who may turn to the black market. This can result in users consuming unregulated and potentially dangerous cannabis products. Additionally, by criminalizing cannabis use, individuals may be deterred from seeking help for substance abuse or related health issues.
Lack of evidence-based policy:
Critics claim that the UK’s cannabis policy is not grounded in scientific evidence, as numerous studies have shown that the potential harms associated with cannabis use are significantly lower than those of other legal substances, such as alcohol and tobacco. Furthermore, some research suggests that cannabis has therapeutic potential for certain medical conditions, but the strict regulations make it difficult for patients to access medical cannabis.
Success in the US with change:
In the United States, many states have either legalized or decriminalized cannabis, leading to a variety of positive outcomes.
These include increased tax revenue, job creation, reduced strain on law enforcement resources, and improved public health outcomes. Critics argue that the UK could similarly benefit from adopting a more progressive cannabis policy.
Falling behind other countries:
The UK’s cannabis policy is seen as increasingly outdated when compared to other countries, such as Thailand (!), Canada, Uruguay, and now various European nations, which have either legalized or decriminalized cannabis to varying degrees. These countries have implemented more evidence-based policies, focused on harm reduction and public health, which many believe the UK should consider.
Despite these criticisms, the UK’s cannabis policy remains relatively unchanged, with some speculating that political, cultural, and historical factors may contribute to the resistance to change. For instance, the UK’s traditionally conservative stance on drug policy, coupled with a lack of public pressure or political will, may hinder progress in adopting more progressive cannabis policies.
Even positive changes in the medical cannabis sector are not communicated with front line police officers.
One rule for you, another rule for them
It is indeed ironic and frustrating that despite the UK’s strict cannabis policies, the country is the world’s largest exporter of legal medical cannabis.
According to a 2018 report by the International Narcotics Control Board, the UK accounted for 44.9% of the global total for legal cannabis production in 2016. This was primarily driven by GW Pharmaceuticals, a UK-based company that specializes in the development of cannabis-derived medications.
GW Pharmaceuticals, which is a major player in the global medical cannabis market, has developed drugs such as Sativex, used to treat multiple sclerosis-related spasticity, and Epidiolex, for the treatment of rare forms of epilepsy. However, access to these medications within the UK has been limited, despite their being produced domestically.
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that some Tory politicians have been reported to hold shares in GW Pharmaceuticals, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue that the UK’s restrictive cannabis policy, which prevents many patients from accessing potentially life-changing treatments, is absurd and hypocritical when the country is simultaneously profiting from the international sale of medical cannabis.
The situation highlights the glaring contradictions in the UK’s approach to cannabis policy. On one hand, the country’s strict stance on recreational cannabis use and limited access to medical cannabis for patients suggest a conservative outlook, while on the other hand, the nation benefits economically from the global medical cannabis market.
This inconsistency not only undermines the credibility of the UK’s cannabis policy but also perpetuates a sense of injustice for those who suffer due to these restrictive regulations.
Many observers believe that the UK should reevaluate its cannabis policy and align it more closely with evidence-based practices and the principles of harm reduction.
This would involve not only considering the decriminalization or legalization of recreational cannabis but also ensuring that medical cannabis is more accessible to patients who need it.
By addressing these concerns and inconsistencies, the UK could potentially create a more fair and effective approach to cannabis regulation. With politicians so unwilling to acknowledge reality, leadership appears from elsewhere.
The Country Durham Approach
In County Durham, the local police force has taken a more progressive approach to cannabis policy enforcement, which has been seen as a potential model for the rest of the UK.
The Durham Constabulary, under the leadership of the late Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg, (RIP) has implemented a policy that deprioritizes the prosecution of low-level cannabis offenses, such as possession for personal use and small-scale cultivation.
This approach, often referred to as the “soft touch” or “de facto decriminalization,” focuses on redirecting police resources towards more serious crimes and addressing the root causes of drug addiction and abuse.
The Durham Constabulary’s policy is based on the principles of harm reduction and practicality, rather than criminalizing individuals who use or grow cannabis for personal use.
There are several potential benefits of adopting the County Durham approach across the UK:
–Reduced strain on law enforcement resources
By deprioritizing low-level cannabis offenses, police forces can focus their time, energy, and resources on combating more serious crimes, such as violent offenses and large-scale drug trafficking.
–Improved public health outcomes
By treating cannabis use as a public health issue rather than a criminal one, individuals who struggle with substance abuse are more likely to seek help and support for their addiction without fear of legal repercussions.
–Reduced burden on the criminal justice system
Decriminalizing low-level cannabis offenses would decrease the number of cases in the courts, potentially resulting in cost savings and a more efficient criminal justice system.
–Harm reduction
By focusing on education, prevention, and treatment, the County Durham approach encourages safer cannabis use practices, reducing the potential harm associated with unregulated products and risky consumption patterns.
–Encouraging evidence-based policy-making
The County Durham model demonstrates that practical, evidence-based approaches to cannabis policy can be implemented at the local level, which could encourage broader policy changes at the national level.
By adopting the County Durham approach nationwide, the UK could shift its focus from punitive measures to harm reduction and public health. This could create an environment where individuals who use cannabis can access support and education without fear of legal consequences.
If local police forces embrace more progressive policies, it may create pressure on politicians to reconsider the UK’s cannabis policy at the national level, potentially leading to more widespread change.
