Jersey votes against decriminalizing cannabis

Jersey has decided not to decriminalize cannabis by just one vote. Instead, the British Crown Dependency voted to ask ministers to return with proposals to relax laws restricting its use, which is already more or less decriminalized in practice.

One step back, one step forward

After nearly four hours of debate over two days late last month, the States Assembly - Jersey's parliament - voted to reject the proposal by 23 votes to 22, with one abstention.

However, two parts of the motion put forward by MP Tom Coles, who initiated the proposal on future approaches to the legalization and regulation of cannabis, will be brought back before the assembly later this year.

The Tom Coles' proposal included a threshold of acceptable grams, restrictions on consumption zones and restrictions on driving under the influence.

Future debates on the issue, due to take place next autumn, are expected to focus on where and when it is acceptable to consume cannabis. They should also look at how states could take action against anyone driving under the influence of the drug.

Simon Harrison, who manages End Cannabis Prohibition Jersey, said he was not completely disheartened. «It was a partial success...[it] sets us on the path to developing regulations on how we can approach cannabis in the future,» reports the BBC.

Jersey quickly became a a magnet for British cannabis entrepreneurs, securing more than £60 million in investment from medical cannabis businesses since 2016, according to the Channel Islands Minister for Economic Development.

New head of cannabis expert group

In the meantime, British lawyer Sarah Clover, who specializes in the regulation of cannabis cultivation, has been appointed president of the Jersey Cannabis Advisory Board (JCAB). This independent organization brings together businesses and other stakeholders in the regulated cannabis industry to develop the sector and its regulation on the island.

Ms Clover said the JCAB wanted the island to become a world leader in the regulated cannabis industry.

«The JCAB is very active in promoting Jersey as a leading global center for the development of the cannabis sector, which will be an excellent boost for the island's economy. With effective coordination, cannabis businesses and regulators can work side by side to ensure Jersey's reputation as a center of quality and high standards.»

«Jersey has a number of advantages in this sector and the future looks very bright,» reports the BBC.

Not far away, the’Isle of Man seeks to strengthen its medical cannabis supply.