Proposals To Investigate The Legalisation Of Cannabis In Guernsey. 

Dan Guilbert, who uses cannabis medicinally to relieve pain in his abdomen, welcomed the move. He said, "Cannabis is not the evil plant it is made out to be; there are real benefits for people who use it to avoid pharmaceuticals."  

If approved, the new working group would need to report back to the States by the end of the year with recommendations on how a regulated cannabis system could work in Guernsey.  

The group would also investigate the costs, risks, and ways to manage these, along with a proposed timeline for implementing the new model.  

In 2025, four deputies said that they opposed the decriminalisation of cannabis, while half of the island's politicians supported it. Officials in the previous States term warned that any moves to legalize the Class B drug could be blocked by the UK government.  

An investigation into cannabis legalisation in the last political term was paused due to a lack of staff resources within the States to complete the work.  

The growth and cultivation of cannabis for medicinal use were legalized in Guernsey in July 2021, with 13,000 licenses issued in 2023, according to States figures.  

Cannabis is currently classified as a Class B drug in Guernsey.   

What would the working group look like?  

The working group would consist of a member from the Committee for Home Affairs, the Committee for Health and Social Care, the Policy and Resources Committee, the Committee for Economic Development, and the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture.  

It would be led by a representative from the Committee for Home Affairs as the lead committee, recognising its existing responsibilities regarding controlled substances, licensing, enforcement, and regulatory administration.  

Before returning to the States by the end of 2026, the group must consult with local stakeholders, local and external experts, and examine comparative models from other jurisdictions where regulated cannabis access has been implemented or piloted.  

What is Happening with Cannabis in Jersey?  

Jersey's Health Minister Tom Binet has submitted proposals, outside of decriminalisation, which are due to be voted on at the States meeting starting on February 3.  

These proposals allow politicians to choose from three options:  

1. Stopping prosecutions for individuals caught with small amounts of cannabis for personal use.  

2. Removing criminal offenses for possession and home-growing within strict limits.  

3. Conducting a government-run trial selling non-medical cannabis to registered islanders to see if legal regulation improves safety.  

A discussion in Guernsey is likely to take place as early as March.

More From Soft Secrets:

Half of Guernsey's politicians support decriminalising cannabis, says new research

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