The Isle of Man could be the first British island to decriminalize cannabis

While cannabis is still illegal in the UK, the Isle of Man will be looking at decriminalizing cannabis as part of its drug strategy for the next 5 years.

The Man government will be conducting a review of its drug policy over the coming months. It will also look at how a criminal record for a small amount of drugs affects the lives of islanders, restricting career or travel opportunities.

The decision came as Island Police Chief Gary Roberts noted in its report last year that of the 208 additional crimes committed on the island in 2017, 115 were related to drug offenses.

«Most solely for simple possession of cannabis,» explained Gary Roberts, adding that his officers «frequently found cannabis when they stopped young people».

Danny Kushlick, from Transform Drug Policy Foundation, believes that the island could pave the way for a more progressive approach to cannabis in the UK:

«Theresa May's desire to continue the war on drugs seems frankly medieval, as we fall further and further behind more modern, evidence-based measures adopted elsewhere.»

Theresa May recently reaffirmed the government's position by answering to a member of the opposition who criticized her: «It's right that we continue to fight against drugs».

The next steps following the report are not yet known, but any changes will have to be presented to the Parliament of Man after public and political debate.

Surprisingly, back in 2010 in an interview with Larry King, Mick Jagger was already calling for the legalization of all drugs on the Isle of Man: «You should try the legalization of drugs on the Isle of Man and see what happens.»