London Mayor Sadiq Khan launches commission to examine legality of cannabis

Sadiq Khan, the current mayor of London, has announced the creation of a commission to review the effectiveness of the UK's drug laws, particularly those governing cannabis.

The London Drugs Commission, to be chaired by Lord Charlie Falconer QC, former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, was one of Sadiq Khan's manifesto promises when he was re-elected last year.

The Mayor of London's office has said that a panel of independent experts in the fields of criminal justice, public health, politics, community relations and academia will be brought together to examine evidence gathered from around the world on the outcomes of different drug policies.

Sadiq Khan is currently on a four-day visit to the USA to promote investment in London to support its recovery from the pandemic. The trip also included a fact-finding mission to Los Angeles to see the impact of the city's, and the state's, decision, to legalize cannabis in 2016.

The British mayor visited a cannabis dispensary and cultivation facility, met with retailers and licensed cultivators, and spoke with officials from the Los Angeles Police Department and the city's local government.

A study commission for legislators

California legalizes recreational use of cannabis after a public vote which was approved by 57 % of voters. Counties and cities in the state can still choose to ban the sale or installation of cannabis businesses.

The London commission will aim to assess the best methods of preventing drug use, the most effective criminal justice responses and the public health benefits of different approaches. On completion of its work, it will make policy recommendations to the council, government, police, criminal justice system and public health services.

Announcing the creation of the commission, Mr. Khan said he believed it would help «tackle drug-related crime, protect the health of Londoners and reduce the enormous damage that illegal drugs cause to our communities.».

He added: «The illegal drug trade is causing enormous damage to our society, and we need to do more to combat this epidemic and advance the debate around our drug laws. That's why I'm here today in Los Angeles, to see first-hand the approach they've taken to cannabis.»

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said cannabis decriminalization offers «historically marginalized communities opportunities for healing, entrepreneurship and wealth creation» in a growing industry. «Cities have so much to learn from each other, and I applaud Mayor Khan's thoughtful approach as London moves forward,» he said.