London Drugs Commission’s Recommendations: A Step Forward in Cannabis Policy
- James Bunn
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
London Drugs Commission (LDC) has released its report on cannabis policy, offering a pragmatic middle ground between full legalisation and the failed status quo of prohibition. While some advocates may argue the recommendations don’t go far enough, this report represents a critical step in the right direction—one that deserves support.
The Current System is Broken
For decades, the UK’s approach to cannabis has been rooted in prohibition, a policy that has:
Criminalised users disproportionately, particularly Black communities, through aggressive stop-and-search practices.
Failed to reduce harm, as unregulated products remain unsafe and addiction services are underfunded.
Wasted police resources on low-level possession
The LDC’s findings confirm what many have long argued (including Drug Science): the Misuse of Drugs Act’s classification of cannabis is disproportionate and ineffective.
What the Commission Recommends
The LDC’s key proposal is to move natural cannabis from the Misuse of Drugs Act to the Psychoactive Substances Act. This would:
Decriminalise personal possession, ending the unjust punishment of users.
Keep production and distribution illegal, maintaining penalties for large-scale dealers.
Reduce racial disparities in policing, particularly in stop-and-search practices.
Additionally, the report calls for:
Better education on cannabis risks, particularly for young people.
Improved healthcare support for those struggling with addiction.
A more compassionate policing approach, focusing on diversion rather than prosecution.
Why This Matters
Some advocates will argue that full legalisation is the only solution. But while that may be the ideal long-term goal, perfect should not be the enemy of progress. The LDC’s recommendations offer tangible improvements:
Fewer lives ruined by criminal records for simple possession.
Reduced strain on the justice system, allowing police to focus on serious crime.
A foundation for future reform, proving that alternative approaches work.
As Lord Falconer stated, this is about a "fundamental reset"—not legalisation, but a smarter, fairer system.
The Path Forward
Change is incremental, and this report provides a realistic roadmap for reducing harm while avoiding the pitfalls seen in places that rushed into legalization without proper safeguards. We must support these wins, even if they feel small, because they pave the way for broader reform.
Ultimately, Drug Science's position is that cannabis ought to be legalised for recreational purposes. However, we hope that this is a step that the government feels comfortable taking and in time they'll come to realise that the fearmongering surrounding the de-regulation of cannabis was unfounded.
The LDC’s work is a turning point in the UK’s drug policy debate. Let’s push for its recommendations to be implemented—because anything is better than prohibition.
