Best of the Spectator Coffee House Shots: should cannabis be decriminalised?
May 31, 2025
Charlie Falconer, a Labour peer and former cabinet minister, chaired the London Drugs Commission advocating for cannabis decriminalization. In contrast, Neil Shastri-Hurst, a Tory MP and barrister, firmly opposes it, fearing public harm and increased strain on services. They explore Mayor Sadiq Khan's recommendations and the broader implications of changing cannabis laws. While both agree on the need for reform, they debate the balance between compassion for users and the potential risks of decriminalization impacting community health.
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The Current Cannabis Law Fails
- The law does not effectively prevent cannabis use or its harms, causing enforcement imbalance especially against Black communities.
- Removing possession of natural cannabis from criminal offense aligns legal severity appropriately and reduces unfair police practices.
Cannabis Harms and Enforcement Challenges
- Cannabis causes mental health issues and pressures already stretched NHS resources.
- Decriminalisation risks increasing usage and complicating police enforcement due to difficulties distinguishing cannabis types.
Evidence Shows Decriminalisation Doesn't Increase Use
- Legalisation or decriminalisation of cannabis possession has little effect on usage rates according to evidence from other countries.
- Current laws invite ridicule, drain resources, and damage community relations without reducing harms.