Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, backs report calling for decriminalization of cannabis

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has approved the recommendations of the London Drugs Commission (LDC), an independent commission which recently called for the decriminalization of cannabis following a 3-year study.

His report, described as «the most comprehensive international study of cannabis use in recent history», does not go so far as to advocate total legalization, but makes a strong case for a new approach to drug policy, focused on public health and social justice.

Chaired by Lord Charlie Falconer KC, the commission gathered evidence from over 200 international experts and finally published 42 recommendations aimed at reducing risks, improving community relations and combating racial disparities in the application of drug legislation.

Getting cannabis out of the criminal justice system

LDC recommends removing the cannabis of the drug abuse law and regulate it instead as part of the law on psychoactive substances. This would decriminalize possession for personal use while maintaining the illegality of cannabis production and supply. Synthetic cannabinoids would remain excluded from this reform.

Mayor Khan, who commissioned the study during a visit to the in California in 2022, said, «I've long been convinced that we need to rethink how to reduce the considerable damage associated with drug-related crime in our communities.»

He also believes that criminal penalties for cannabis possession are difficult to justify given its relative harm and disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

Racial injustice and disproportionate police control

One of the report's conclusions concerns racial disproportion in cannabis-related police checks. The commission points out that black communities are more frequently targeted by checks and searches, often leading to lifelong consequences for minor offences. The report warns of «damaging and lasting consequences for individuals, society as a whole and police-community relations».

Janet Hills MBE, former police detective sergeant and LDC vice president, said, «It's time to change our approach to cannabis enforcement to create a fairer, more equitable system.».

While not going until full legalization, the commission believes that possession of cannabis should no longer be considered a criminal offence and addiction treatment services and education must be reinforced.

«This is the most thorough examination of the appropriate public response to the cannabis issue in recent years,» said Lord Falconer. «Legalization is not the answer. The response of the criminal justice system must focus solely on traffickers, not consumers.»

The teacher Virginia Berridge, of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, praised the report for striking a balance between «a focus on social and racial injustices and public health concerns», calling it a step forward in solving the «cannabis puzzle».

Learning from Canada and the United States

To support its conclusions, the commission analyzed the post-legalization results in Canada and in some regions of United States. While recognizing potential benefits such as tax receipts and the market regulations, she warned against public health risks, particularly dependence, which may take longer to emerge and remain under-researched.

Professor Adam Winstock of UCL pointed out that the recommendations «challenge the status quo» without presupposing that alternative systems will instantly solve the problems. socio-economic problems deeper.

The commission's recommendations also call for the introduction of diversion programs which help avoid criminal prosecution and direct individuals towards appropriate support.

Jason Harwin KPM, former Deputy Chief Constable, supports this point: «The data shows that diversion not only leads to a better understanding and treatment of an individual's actions, but also reduces recidivism and risks for the future.»

The commission also noted that the’cannabis education, particularly among young people, is currently insufficient. Many programs are run by individuals or institutions that «lack credibility and insight», and fail to truly engage their audience.