Sadiq Khan to look at legalising cannabis in London if he wins mayoral election

SADIQ Khan will look into legalising cannabis in the capital if he wins next month’s London mayoral election, it’s reported.

He is poised to launch an independent study examining the feasibility of decriminalising the drug as part of a fresh approach to combat crime.

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Sadiq Khan will reportedly look at legalising cannabis in the capital[/caption]

If re-elected – on May 6 – Khan will set up an independent body to probe the potential health, economic and criminal justice benefits of the controversial move.

The Guardian reports he believes there is already plenty of public support for a more relaxed approach to the class B drug.

And he apparently points to polls which show nearly two-thirds of those in his city support legalising cannabis for adult recreational use.

It’s claimed Khan is willing to consider supporting changes to the legal status of the drug if the commission concludes that is the best way forward.

The panel would be made up of those with expertise in the fields of criminal justice, public health, politics, and community relations.

It would examine how other countries have tackled their problems with drug use and addiction.

However, it is reported he has ruled out the decriminalisation of class-A drugs like heroin and cocaine.

“It will be for the commission to look at the evidence in the round, but nothing is off the table in the context of what is best for public health and keeping Londoners safe,” said a source close to the mayor.

The announcement is expected to be part of Khan’s mayoral election manifesto which is due to published on Tuesday.

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Some polls show nearly two-thirds of those in the capital support legalising cannabis[/caption]

It’s reported Khan will say: “It’s time for fresh ideas about how to reduce the harms drugs and drug-related crimes cause to individuals, families and communities.

“The commission will make recommendations focusing on the most effective laws to tackle crime, protect Londoners’ health, and reduce the huge damage that illegal drugs, including cannabis, cause to our communities and society.”

Although the London mayor does not have the power to change laws, he apparently hopes if the commission recommend decriminalisation it might sway those who do.

At the moment, cannabis remains illegal to possess, grow, distribute, sell or grow in the UK.

Being caught with the drug comes with a maximum of five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

While being convicted of producing and supplying the Class B drug carries up to 14 years behind bars, an unlimited fine, or both.

Police can issue a warning or on-the-spot fine if you’re caught with a small amount – generally less than one ounce – if it is deemed for personal use.

Like all drugs in Britain, weed is regulated extremely stringently by the Government.

As the punishments suggest, it’s completely illegal to smoke weed anywhere in Britain – including on your own property.

However, some police forces have taken a more laid-back attitude to the recreational drug, which is believed to be the most popular in the UK.

Prosecution rates for cannabis possession are as low as 15 per cent in Cornwall and Devon, while Durham Police have said they will no longer target recreational users at all.