London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for the decriminalisation of cannabis possession, citing concerns over how existing laws damage relationships between police and ethnic minority communities. Khan’s call comes after an independent commission, chaired by former Labour justice secretary Lord Falconer, found that current legislation around personal cannabis use is not proportionate to the harm caused and disproportionately affects Black Londoners. The report concluded that possession for personal use should no longer be a criminal offence, while dealing and production should remain illegal.
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The London Drugs Commission also recommended that police should no longer use stop and search based solely on suspected cannabis possession, as data shows ethnic minority groups, particularly Black Londoners, are more frequently targeted, despite not being more likely to be in possession of the drug. While the Mayor does not have the authority to change national drug policy, he urged ministers to review the findings. “The report makes a compelling case. It’s time we recognised that education, healthcare, and equitable policing are more effective than outdated criminalisation,” Khan said.
The proposals stop short of full legalisation, warning that health risks associated with long-term cannabis use outweigh financial benefits from taxation or reduced crime. Instead, the report suggests removing natural cannabis from the Misuse of Drugs Act and placing it under the Psychoactive Substances Act, making personal possession a civil matter rather than a criminal one. Pilot schemes could see those caught with small quantities offered education and counselling, rather than prosecution. Possession would remain illegal for synthetic forms, and importation and distribution would still attract criminal penalties.
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Opposition to decriminalisation has been swift, with Conservative figures including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp warning it could lead London down a “dangerous path” akin to cities in the United States and Canada that have experienced social issues post-legalisation. A Home Office spokesperson reiterated that the government has “no intention” of reclassifying cannabis. Meanwhile, polling suggests public opinion remains divided, with slightly more in favour than opposed. As the debate continues, Khan’s move signals a shift towards harm reduction and reform, placing greater emphasis on fairness and evidence in drug policy.
