London Mayor "slammed" for Calls for Legalisation.
The policing Minister stated that the Mayor of London's review of cannabis legislation and his photoshoot at a Californian weed farm were 'baffling'. Mr Khan used a recent trip to the U.S. to revive his calls for cannabis to be legalised in the U.K.
Mr Khan gave fantastic feedback about the cannabis production facilities in L.A. So much so that he announced the construction of a new group whose job will be to look at decriminalising Cannabis in Britain. Khan has said that former justice secretary Lord Charlie Falconer QC would chair the first London Drugs Commission to evaluate the efficacy of U.K. drug laws.
However, the photoshoot of him surrounded by cannabis plants in L.A. has prompted utter disbelief from his peers who do not share his views.
Policing minister Mr Malthouse stated: I find it baffling that last week, the Mayor of London thought it was appropriate to stage a photoshoot in a cannabis farm in L.A. to reiterate his support for legalising this entry-level drug. I wish he would focus on knife crime and violence in the capital instead.'
The revelation came as Malthouse prepared to launch Operation Sceptre. This initiative will dedicate thousands of officers to tackling knife crime.
Home Secretary Priti Patel is also not a fan of the plan either. She said: 'Sadiq Khan's time would be better spent focusing on knife and drug crime in London. 'The Mayor has no powers to legalise drugs. 'They ruin communities, tear apart families and destroy lives.'
Mr Khan won't find any friends on the labour side either. A spokesperson confirmed their stance: 'Labour does not support changing the drug law. 'Drugs policy is not devolved to mayors and under Labour would continue to be set by the national government.'
L.A. decriminalised cannabis in 2016, after which arrests related to the drug in California dropped by 56%. The commission being launched by Mr Khan will focus on cannabis and will not consider any class A drugs.
Cannabis remains a class B drug here in the U.K. The maximum sentence is five years in prison for possession. Though supporters back its positives for mental and physical health, sceptics warn that regular cannabis use may boost the risk of psychotic illness. Figures from European neighbours who have already legalised offer insight into what it could be like. Portugal, for instance, has witnessed a rise in cannabis-induced psychosis since the government decriminalised the drug in 2021.
Good for Sadiq Khan, though, I say. He has my support; at least he is willing to consider the possibility that there is a better way to do things! Here is hoping more politicians follow suit.
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Liz Filmer
