The British Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, reportedly contemplated classifying cannabis as a Class A drug in 2022 — an action aligning it with substances like heroin and cocaine. In stark contrast, Thailand has recently embraced cannabis legalisation, surprising many with its liberal drug policy stance.

Cultural shifts in Thailand vs UK

During my visit to Thailand in September 2022, I was astounded by the transformation of Bangkok — traditionally a conservative city — into an Asian counterpart of Amsterdam, known for its relaxed attitude towards cannabis.

High usage rates vs stalled legislation

Despite the taboo, millions of Britons consume cannabis, with approximately 29.7% of individuals aged 16 to 59 in England and Wales having experimented with the substance.

Moreover, only seven European countries surpassed the UK in cannabis usage rates in 2021. Additionally, 7.1% of British adults admitted to using cannabis in 2020.

Economic potential amidst political hurdles

The UK boasts a massive cannabis market potential. Despite grappling with economic challenges stemming from Brexit uncertainties, the Ukraine conflict, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the nation remains the world’s fifth-largest economy, with a GDP of £3.13 trillion and a population exceeding 68.77 million.

London, with a staggering GDP per capita of £55,975, represents a significant market for global cannabis enterprises.

Untapped opportunities and export potential

Presently valued at £346.40 million, the UK cannabis market could outstrip Canada’s if legalised, becoming the world’s second-largest behind the United States.

This development would open up lucrative export avenues for North American cannabis dispensaries while generating substantial tax revenue for the British government.

Despite these compelling factors, the United Kingdom continues to resist legalising cannabis for recreational purposes, contrasting with the progressive movements witnessed across swathes of the Western world, including the United States, Canada, and Germany.

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1. British politicians shy away from cannabis reform discourse

Stark Contrast in Political Discourse

In the United States, drug reform garners significant attention, with politicians like Joe Biden championing comprehensive changes such as cannabis decriminalisation, expunging criminal records, and full legalisation of medicinal cannabis.

Reluctance and Outdated Views in the UK

Conversely, British politicians tend to avoid discussing cannabis reform openly. When questioned about legalising cannabis by Sky News, the leader of the British opposition party, Sir Keir Starmer, expressed his disapproval, attributing crime rates to cannabis. This reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue on cannabis legalisation has persisted for decades in the UK.

Dominance of Conservative and Labour Parties

Both the British Conservative Party and the Labour Party firmly oppose cannabis legalisation. While smaller parties like the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and the Scottish Green Party advocate for cannabis legalisation, their influence is limited by the UK’s first-past-the-post electoral system.

Consequently, the views of these minority parties often go unheard, making it challenging to enact policy changes without the support of the major parties.

2. Lack of strong public support for cannabis legalisation in the UK

Public Opinion and Political Influence

In a democratic society, the impetus for change often stems from public demand. However, despite the widespread use of cannabis, a significant portion of British society remains opposed to its legalisation for recreational purposes.

Limited Support Across Political Spectrum

Surprisingly, support for cannabis legalisation varies among political affiliations. Only 19% of Conservative party voters, 42% of Labour party voters, and 39% of Liberal Democrat voters advocate for legalising cannabis.

While a quarter of voters from each party favour decriminalisation, this level of support is insufficient to drive significant policy change.

Referendum Prospects and Public Sentiment

In the absence of substantial public backing, a referendum on cannabis legalisation in the UK would likely yield results akin to New Zealand’s vote, where legalisation was rejected by a slim margin.

Until there is a noticeable shift in public opinion or a surge in nationwide support for cannabis legalisation, the British populace will not have a decisive voice on the matter.

Influencing Factors and Barriers to Reform

Various factors contribute to the lack of widespread support for cannabis legalisation in the UK, including the influence of anti-cannabis narratives perpetuated by powerful tabloid press, entrenched class divisions, and limited opportunities for open public discourse on the topic.

Regardless of the reasons, the crucial mass support necessary for cannabis legalisation remains elusive in the current landscape.

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3. Lack of influential political lobbying groups in the UK

Absence of Major Advocacy Groups

Unlike the United States, where influential lobbying groups like the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) have tirelessly advocated for cannabis reform, Britain lacks such prominent entities dedicated to driving legislative change.

Limited Lobbying Efforts

In the US, these lobbying groups employ professional strategies akin to those utilized by major industries like tobacco, oil, and pharmaceuticals.

Their concerted efforts have been instrumental in shaping policy decisions. However, in the UK, there is a noticeable absence of similar lobbying initiatives focused on cannabis reform.

Impact on Ethnic Minorities and Racial Dynamics

Furthermore, the impact of drug laws on ethnic minorities in the US has catalysed discussions on racism within drug policy. This intersection of racial disparities and drug reform has exerted significant pressure on US leaders to reassess their stance on cannabis, particularly in a nation marked by complex and contentious race relations.

In contrast, such dynamics and pressures have not been as pronounced in the UK, further contributing to the absence of a robust advocacy movement for cannabis reform.

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4. Impact of centralized governance on cannabis legalisation in the UK

Role of Federalism in Cannabis Policy

The federal system of government in the United States grants individual states the authority to legalise cannabis for recreational purposes.

Despite discussions led by London Mayor Sadiq Khan regarding cannabis legalisation in London, the centralised nature of the Westminster political system presents significant barriers to such initiatives.

Economic Potential and Lessons from the US

States like Colorado and California experienced significant economic growth following cannabis legalisation, with Colorado’s GDP expanding by 4.4% post-legalisation in 2015. California’s cannabis market has emerged as the world’s largest, projected to reach a value of £6.59 billion by 2025.

Lack of Regional Autonomy in the UK

In contrast, the absence of a federal-style governance structure in the UK limits the ability of regions to enact independent cannabis policies. While some areas may see economic potential in legalisation, the centralized Westminster government remains reluctant to embrace such reforms, particularly in England.

Potential Impacts and Scenarios for Legalisation

If London were to legalise cannabis, it could ignite a nationwide debate on legalisation. The outcomes of cannabis legalisation in the UK are uncertain, with proponents arguing for economic growth and expanded medicinal usage, while opponents fear societal degradation and increased drug use.

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Future prospects and global trends

Despite the success of legalisation efforts in North America and mainland Europe, the UK is unlikely to follow suit in the near future. However, evolving evidence and global trends suggest that a shift towards legalisation and regulation may become increasingly viable in the long term.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.