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MPs Say They Think Cannabis Could Be Legal In UK Within 10 Years

MPs Say They Think Cannabis Could Be Legal In UK Within 10 Years

MPs from the three main political parties recently visited a legal cannabis factory in Canada

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

MPs from the three main political parties have said they believe cannabis will be legalised in the UK within the next five to ten years.

Labour's Dave Lammy, Conservative Jonathan Djanogly and Sir Norman Lamb from the Liberal Democrats visited a cannabis factory in Canada for a BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat documentary, where they said gave their opinions on the drug.

As it stands, cannabis is illegal in the UK, but it remains the country's most popular drug, with 30 percent of adults saying they have tried the drug at least once, according to recent figures.

Sir Norman Lamb bought some legal cannabis oil while in Canada.
BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat

Documentary makers from Legalising Weed - Canada's Story flew the MPs over to Canada where cannabis is legal for recreational use.

During the trip Lammy said his opinion has shifted 'significantly' and that he now backs legalisation.

He told the documentary: "I want the market legalised and regulated, taken away from criminal gangs, young people not criminalised by use and properly educated. But I want to see the strength of the stuff reduced, labelled and properly organised in our country."

Lib Dem MP Sir Lamb has led the campaign to legalise cannabis in the UK. While in Canada he bought some oil and sampled it, though had to flush what was left before coming home.

The oil he bought was different from Cannabidiol (CBD oil), which you can buy in the UK, because it contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical compound that makes people feel high.

However, Lamb said he didn't feel high while using the oil, which is placed under the tongue, but that it helped him to sleep better.

"Taking this oil is purely for sleeping for relaxation," he explained. "I will take it before bed and before my flight home."

These drops are legal for recreational use in the Canada.
BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat

He added that it helped him to nod off the night before an important meeting, saying: "I was really anxious because I had the hearing of the technology and science select committee the next day and I was travelling back overnight, and I just thought if I get back having had no sleep it will be a challenge."

Meanwhile, Tory MP Djanogly said he wasn't in favour of legalisation, but he was 'open' to the idea.

He said: "I think we have got a lot to learn before the legalisation of recreational cannabis, which I think will happen at some point. I think we're on a 10 to 15-year cycle which would mirror what has happened in Canada."

The Home Office told Radio 1 Newsbeat it 'has no intention of changing the law' on cannabis.

A spokesperson said: "The legalisation of these substances would not eliminate the crime committed by the illicit trade, nor would it address the harms associated with drug dependence and the misery they can cause to families and society."

Legalising Weed - Canada's Story is on BBC iPlayer today.

Featured Image Credit: BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat

Topics: UK News, Politics