Ladbible X Whatsapp
  • iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
The Arguments For And Against Legalisation Of Weed In The UK

Home> News

Published 16:32 20 Apr 2022 GMT+1

The Arguments For And Against Legalisation Of Weed In The UK

On 4/20, it seems right to have a look at what the case for and against cannabis legalisation is here in the UK

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

As some of you will be aware, today is 4/20, which is the internationally recognised day of celebration for all those who like smoking cannabis.

What began as a method of arranging to meet up for a smoke between a group of Californian stoners has blossomed into a global event, spawning festivals, special product releases, and campaigns.

However, while some US states, Canada, and a number of other countries have moved to legalise weed and make these meet-ups and events completely above board, cannabis remains illegal in the UK.

This 4/20, we’re aiming to shine a light on the cases for and against legalising weed and examine why the UK hasn’t followed suit just yet.

Advert

The UK legalised the use of medical cannabis back in 2018.
Alamy

In the UK, cannabis is listed as a Class B drug.

That means that possession is punishable with up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

Production and supply is punishable with up to 14 years in prison, as well as that same unlimited fine, or – again – both.

Weed is afforded the same classification as amphetamines, barbiturates, and sedatives such as ketamine.

Advert

Many argue that this classification is too high, and some argue that the classification itself is unnecessary, and that weed should be legally available for both medicinal and recreational purposes.

Of course, medicinal cannabis is available in the UK for certain treatments, but for the purposes of this article we’re going to focus on cannabis as a recreational drug.

A poll last year from YouGov found that 52 percent of those asked – 3,317 people, if you’re interested – support or strongly support the legalisation of cannabis.

Cannabis is a Class B drug in the UK.
Alamy

A poll released today by advisory firm Hanway Associates also found that 52 percent were against criminal punishment for personal cannabis use, and 55 percent believed that cannabis products should be legal for over 18s.

Advert

While it was under a Conservative government that medicinal cannabis in certain circumstances was approved, the party has historically opposed legalisation and many were shocked at its 2018 decision on medicinal use.

Labour also doesn't support legalisation directly, and its stance has differed over the years.

Currently, however, there are a few parties that openly support the legalisation of weed.

The Green Party, Wales’ Plaid Cymru openly support legalisation, as do the Liberal Democrats.

So, what are the arguments for it?

Advert

First off, many argue that criminalising drug users is not productive.

Polls suggest Brits are broadly in favour of decriminalising weed.
Alamy

Some countries such as Portugal, where drugs were decriminalised in 2001, have a system whereby drug users are provided with treatment programmes as well as harm reduction methods – clean needles in the case of heroin – and support, rather than being arrested.

Secondly, legalisation would allow for a controlled and taxed market that could bring money into the economy while allowing for greater controls on factors such as potency.

Many argue that alcohol and tobacco are significantly more harmful than cannabis, yet both are allowed to be sold and taxed freely to those of age.

Advert

Furthermore, there are compelling arguments that decriminalisation would curb the illegal drugs market significantly by bring it into state control, therefore cracking down on revenue streams for gangs and big drugs producers.

However, those who oppose cannabis decriminalisation argue that it is an addictive substance, particularly among young people, and can have long term and significant effects on mental health and longer-term brain damage in certain severe cases.

Those against legalisation argue that it causes mental health problems and addiction.
Alamy

They also argue that keeping cannabis illegal does work in deterring people from using it in the first place, and question whether legalising weed actually forces criminals out of work, or forces them to adapt.

The debate is far from over, and with most people in the UK favouring declassification – among those in the polls cited above, anyway – and the two largest political parties remaining broadly against the idea, it remains to be seen whether public opinion will eventually turn to a political shift on the matter.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: UK News, Drugs, Crime, Politics

Tom Wood
Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

X

@TPWagwim

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

7 hours ago
  • 7 hours ago

    Man, 92, found guilty of murder of woman nearly 60 years ago in UK's 'longest cold case'

    75-year-old Louisa Dunne was murdered in her Bristol home in 1967

    News
  • 7 hours ago

    'Marriage destroyer' holiday hotspot where Brits 'can't stop cheating' revealed

    Time to cancel those flights

    News
  • 7 hours ago

    Brit ranked no.733 in world won't receive £99k prize money despite shock first round win at Wimbledon

    Oliver Tarvet won't see the money because of a sporting rule

    News
  • 7 hours ago

    Police in frantic search for victim's head after reality star girlfriend charged with murder

    Police believe he was killed nearly two weeks ago now

    News
  • Man, 92, found guilty of murder of woman nearly 60 years ago in UK's 'longest cold case'
  • Man was left in coma with ‘devil eyes’ after five-day cocaine-fuelled session almost killed him
  • One of UK's most wanted men finally caught in Portugal after more than four years on the run
  • Diddy and son accused of 'brutal gang rape' in new lawsuit as trial reaches final day