The News Agents Time to Decriminalise? The UK’s Cannabis Question
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May 28, 2025 Neil Basu, former head of Counter Terrorism for the UK, delves into the heated debate on cannabis decriminalization, spurred by political backing from figures like London Mayor Sadiq Khan. He examines the societal damage caused by strict cannabis laws, particularly in terms of police relations with ethnic communities. The conversation touches on the impact of global legalization trends and considers how decriminalization could reshape policing tactics. Basu emphasizes the need for transparency in law enforcement amid evolving social perceptions.
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UK Drug Debate Lagging Behind
- Britain's drug debate remains stuck while many US states and countries liberalize cannabis laws rapidly.
- The current UK law enforcement on cannabis possession disproportionately affects ethnic minorities and leads to tension.
Cannabis Drug Driving Consequences
- A teen smoked cannabis on a Saturday and was later drug-tested after a car accident four days later.
- Despite the cannabis use being days prior, he faces a year license ban and an 11-year record impact.
UK's Tough Law Culture
- British media and political culture heavily favor being tough on law and order, limiting drug policy reform.
- Unlike the US, UK lacks a strong libertarian streak, reducing political appetite for cannabis change.