London Mayor Backs Cannabis Decriminalization As New Report Calls For Reform
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is backing a new report that calls for cannabis decriminalization, renewing his vocal support to end the persecution of individuals possessing small amounts of cannabis.
The London Drugs Commission today published a 320-page report on the implications of recreational cannabis use in London and the impact of current laws, presenting a detailed analysis of written and oral evidence from over 200 experts and academics.
The report concludes that while cannabis can cause harm, the criminalization of possession is disproportionate and ineffective because current laws fail to prevent use and disproportionately impact Black and ethnic minority Londoners through racially skewed police practices like stop and search. At the same time, the report is cautious about full legalization, which is considered premature and potentially risky from a public health perspective.
The findings of this report prompted Khan to renew his support for cannabis decriminalization for small quantities of the drug.
In a statement published on X, he said, 'We need fresh thinking on how to reduce the substantial harms associated with drug-related crime in our communities,' endorsing the decriminalization of cannabis for small quantities and announcing that they will study the report's findings and share them with relevant parties, such as the government, local authorities, and the National Health Service (NHS).
Khan, a member of the Labour Party, is no new to the idea of cannabis decriminalization for personal use. In 2022, he wanted to develop a program offering an alternative to arrest for those caught with small amounts of cannabis, providing classes and counseling to people aged 25 and under. This initiative received criticism, as some argued it would allow low-level cannabis users to avoid prosecution. A year earlier, when Khan announced his intention to launch a review on the benefits of decriminalizing cannabis in London, then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, leader of the Conservative Party from 2019 to 2022, condemned his plans.
Despite occasional public spats, the political debate on cannabis in the United Kingdom has not gained significant traction in political terms, as both the Labour and Conservative parties seem aligned in their support for cannabis prohibition.
In the UK, cannabis is classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which means its recreational use is illegal.
Cannabis possession can result in fines or even imprisonment. But when it comes to small amounts of cannabis, the law allows for diversion programs. These initiatives aim to steer people caught with small quantities away from the traditional criminal justice system. Basically, instead of prosecution, people may be offered alternatives like educational courses or health-focused support, treating drug use more as a public health matter than a crime.
Medical cannabis, instead, tells a different story. Legalized in 2018, it can be prescribed by specialist doctors for specific conditions such as severe epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Still, access is limited, and many patients struggle to obtain prescriptions through the NHS.
Though the report recommends cannabis reform through decriminalization, such changes are unlikely to materialize without political will. For now, both Labour and the Conservatives appear to be on the same page, showing little inclination to shift their stance.
When Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, was elected Prime Minister in 2024, he clarified that he had no intention of changing the UK's drug policy. Conservative governments that preceded him had taken an even stricter position on cannabis, often pursuing a more zero-tolerance approach.
Meanwhile, the British public remains divided on the issue of potential cannabis legalization. A YouGov poll published in January this year, which surveyed 2,533 adults across Great Britain, found that 45% either strongly support or tend to support legalizing cannabis, while 42% either strongly oppose or tend to oppose the reform.
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