Campaigning first as Lib Dems reveal plans to legalise cannabis

Growing and selling cannabis would be legalised under a Liberal Democrat government, the party has revealed. People over 18 will be allowed to buy the drug from specially licenced shops if the party is elected in June, according to a manifesto promise. The plans are intended to reduce the mental health impacts of cannabis and cut a funding source for organised crime gangs – as well as generate tax revenues. The announcement comes as the party released figures showing that £31 million and more than one million hours of police time were spent enforcing the ban in 2015. Julian Huppert, who is campaigning for the Liberal Democrats in Cambridge, said: “Cannabis is freely available and widely used. It generates significant health problems and vast profits for organised crime. “The current approach is a disaster for young people, whose mental and physical health is being harmed by an increasingly potent product. “There are no age checks, and no controls on quality or strength. ‘Skunk’ is widespread and the only ID you need to buy it is a £20 note.” Other Liberal Democrat manifesto promises include scrapping the Investigatory Powers Act and the one per cent public sector pay cap. Current UK law imposes a maximum five-year sentence on anyone found in possession of cannabis as well as an unlimited fine. The drug has already been legalised in several states in the US, where sales are predicted to reach more than $20 billion by 2021. Mike Barton, chief constable of Durham Constabulary, has also previously voiced his support for decriminalisation. The Liberal Democrats believe full legalisation would allow the government to regulate cannabis’ strength and quality, potentially minimising any negative impact. This could be achieved by limiting THC levels – the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. However, the Conservatives have warned the plans could have a “devastating impact” on users’ mental health.