By Emmanuel Dominic 
Khan: Decriminalise Some Cannabis
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has publicly backed a report from the London Drugs Commission (LDC) calling for the decriminalisation of possessing small quantities of cannabis for personal use. This move, while not advocating for full legalisation, suggests a significant shift in how cannabis use is policed in the UK.
Key aspects of the proposal and Khan’s rationale include:
- Decriminalisation, not legalisation: The LDC’s report recommends moving “natural” cannabis from the Class B Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) to the Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA). This would mean that possessing small amounts for personal use would no longer be a criminal offense, though it would still be illegal. It would likely lead to civil penalties, warnings, or referrals for treatment/education, rather than criminal records or imprisonment. The production, sale, and supply of cannabis would remain criminal offenses.
- Addressing disproportionate policing: A central argument for decriminalisation is the disproportionate impact of current cannabis policing, particularly stop-and-search, on young Black men. Khan stated that stop-and-search in London is often based on “the smell of cannabis” and is used in a racially disproportionate way. Removing suspicion of cannabis possession as a reason for stop-and-search is also recommended.
- Focus on harm reduction: The report argues that current sentencing for personal cannabis possession is not justified given its relative harm and the negative impact of the criminal justice system on individuals. It emphasizes the need for better education, improved healthcare services for cannabis-related harm, and more equitable policing.
- Medical cannabis access: Decriminalisation is also seen as a way to reduce the impact on individuals who use cannabis for medicinal purposes but cannot afford a legal prescription.
- Government stance: While Sadiq Khan is pushing for this change, the UK government and the Home Office have stated they have no intention of reclassifying cannabis or decriminalising it. The Labour Party leadership has also distanced itself from the proposal.
Khan’s advocacy stems from a three-year study by the London Drugs Commission, which he set up in 2022. The report, chaired by Lord Charlie Falconer, examined global approaches to cannabis policing and concluded that the current law is “not fit for purpose.”
