Express & Star comment: Cannabis law needs to be clear
The debate over the legalisation of cannabis has been raging for many years.
But now it seems those fighting for the drug to be decriminalised may be slowly winning their battle through the back door.
Latest figures reveal that West Midlands Police have seen convictions for the possession of cannabis fall 37 per cent.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson candidly admits that cuts to officer numbers mean the force has to prioritise crime – and cannabis possession is not making the cut.
Given the horrific rise in knife crime across the region in recent months we can understand where some of those resources are going. Certainly Mr Jamieson’s focus on heroin and crack cocaine – drivers of violent crime – must be supported.
Meanwhile, drug legislation charity Release has welcomed the fact that cannabis possession is not seen as a priority but point out that there is a wide disparity in how different forces treat cannabis offences.
In fact, Durham Police Chief Constable Mike Barton has publically stated his force will not prosecute those caught with cannabis for personal use and wants the drug legalised.
Should there be a postcode lottery on whether you are likely to be convicted for possessing a drug?
It’s not a black and white issue when considering whether cannabis should be legalised. There are such considerations as the use of cannabis for medical use.
Last month Theresa May and members of the cabinet were at odds over the use of the drug in the storm after the cannabis oil of 12-year-old epileptic Billy Caldwell was confiscated. He then suffered multiple seizures.
And there are dangers associated with cannabis. It is widely believed to increase the risk of developing psychosis and is also linked with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, to affect fertility and the lungs if smoked. A proper, informed debate needs to be had about decriminalising cannabis and what degree that should take.
The Government, armed with all the facts, needs to make a decision that can be acted upon and enforced, if necessarily, consistently by forces across the country. It can’t be right that cannabis is effectively legalised because our forces are unable to practically enforce the law.
