London mayor backs report urging decriminalization of small cannabis amounts, defying Tory critics

Sadiq Khan has ignited political controversy by backing the decriminalization of small quantities of cannabis in London, citing new evidence that current laws are “disproportionate” and damaging trust in policing, particularly in ethnic communities.

Speaking after the release of a report by the London Drugs Commission (LDC), which he established in 2022, the Mayor of London said the findings made a “compelling, evidence-based case” for reform. The report argues that criminal penalties for possessing natural cannabis are outdated and contribute to social injustice.

“I’ve long been clear that we need fresh thinking on how to reduce the substantial harms associated with drug-related crime in our communities,” said Khan. “The London Drugs Commission report makes a compelling case for decriminalising possession of small quantities of natural cannabis, which the Government should consider.”

While the proposal would still outlaw the importing, manufacturing, or distribution of the drug, personal possession of limited amounts would no longer lead to prosecution under the LDC’s recommendations. The Commission says this shift could ease the burden on police forces and allow for more equitable, health-focused approaches to drug use.

But the plan drew immediate fire from the Conservative frontbench. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp delivered a swift rebuke: “Cannabis is illegal for a reason. I oppose these plans.” He added that relaxing drug laws could lead to greater usage and strain on public services.

Khan, however, doubled down. “The current sentencing for those caught in possession of natural cannabis cannot be justified given its relative harm and people’s experience of the justice system,” he said, suggesting that criminalization exacerbates inequality rather than curbs drug misuse.

The London Drugs Commission’s report highlights how enforcement disproportionately targets Black and Asian communities, undermining faith in the criminal justice system. It also notes that police resources spent on minor cannabis offences could be redirected towards tackling serious crime.

The Mayor argued that decades of prohibition have failed to meaningfully reduce drug harm. “We must recognise that better education, improved healthcare and more effective, equitable policing of cannabis use are long overdue,” Khan added.

The move aligns with a growing wave of global reform efforts. Canada legalized recreational cannabis in 2018, and many US states have adopted more liberal policies. Closer to home, some UK police forces have quietly shifted toward “diversion” schemes, offering education and support instead of charges for first-time cannabis offences.

Khan’s stance is politically risky, particularly with a general election looming. Labour leader Keir Starmer has previously distanced the national party from drug decriminalisation, and Khan’s support for cannabis reform may fuel internal tensions. However, it could also resonate with younger and more progressive voters in the capital.

The issue of drug law reform remains deeply divisive across party lines. While some argue it is time for a pragmatic, health-based approach to minor drug use, others warn that any softening of the rules sends the wrong message.

Yet public attitudes appear to be shifting. Recent polls show a majority of Londoners support either decriminalization or legalization of cannabis, with many viewing the war on drugs as costly and ineffective.

With the release of the London Drugs Commission’s report, the debate has gained fresh momentum—and Khan has thrown his weight firmly behind reform.

MIRROR

A major new report led by former Labour Justice Secretary Lord Charlie Falconer recommends the decriminalisation of small-scale cannabis possession for personal use. The London Drugs Commission, which Falconer chaired, argues the current law disproportionately harms individuals—especially within ethnic communities—without improving public safety. The report calls for cannabis to be reclassified under the Psychoactive Substances Act, keeping production and sale illegal but ending criminal penalties for minor possession.

It warns prison sentences for users are excessive, often brief but damaging. The Commission rejected full legalisation, citing health risks for around 10% of users and overstretched addiction services. London Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the findings, which include 42 recommendations—such as shifting police focus to dealers, improving youth education, and reforming stop-and-search tactics. The report emphasises that the criminal justice system should prioritise serious drug crimes while treating personal use as a public health issue rather than a criminal one.

SKY NEWS

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has backed calls to decriminalise possession of small amounts of natural cannabis, citing a new report from the independent London Drugs Commission (LDC). The commission, chaired by former lord chancellor Lord Charlie Falconer, argues current UK laws are disproportionate to the harm cannabis causes and unfairly target ethnic minorities. Rather than full legalisation, it recommends moving natural cannabis from the Misuse of Drugs Act to the Psychoactive Substances Act, effectively decriminalising personal use while maintaining bans on production and distribution. The LDC also calls for better addiction support and education for young people. Khan said the findings make a “compelling, evidence-based case” for reform and criticised the criminal justice approach to personal use. Lord Falconer added that enforcement should focus on dealers, not users. However, a Home Office spokesperson rejected any change, stating the government will maintain cannabis as a Class B drug and focus on reducing drug use through treatment and law enforcement.

THE STANDARD

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has endorsed the “compelling, evidence-led” case for decriminalizing possession of small amounts of natural cannabis, following a three-year study by the London Drugs Commission (LDC). The report, led by Labour peer Lord Charlie Falconer, criticizes the current policing approach under the Misuse of Drugs Act as disproportionate, particularly given cannabis’s relative harms and the damaging impact of stop-and-search on ethnic communities. Black Londoners are 3.1 times more likely to be stopped than white residents, despite similar or lower usage rates. The LDC offers 42 recommendations, including improved education, healthcare, and addiction services, and limiting stop-and-search powers where cannabis possession is the sole suspicion. Though Khan lacks the authority to change drug laws, controlled by the Home Office, which remains opposed, he urged the government to consider reform. Lord Falconer stressed the need for a shift in focus from users to dealers, citing the long-term harm caused by criminalizing young people for minor possession offences.