Pubdate: Wed, 09 Mar 2016
Source: Yorkshire Post (UK)
Copyright: 2016 Johnston Press New Media
Contact: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/contactus.aspx
Website: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2239

LIB DEMS SET OUT CASE FOR LEGALISING CANNABIS AHEAD OF CITY MEETING

LEGALISING THE sale of cannabis could raise UKP1bn a year in tax and 
help minimise health risks, according to a report.

The study, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats and conducted by a 
panel of scientists, academics and police chiefs, suggests that the 
drug should be available in specialist shops to over-18s.

The party is expected to debate the issue at its spring conference in 
York this weekend.

Lib Dem health spokesman Norman Lamb said: "Every year billions of 
pounds are put into the pockets of organised criminals selling 
cannabis and vast amounts of police time and resources are wasted 
going after those using the drug."

Party leader Tim Farron said: "Prohibition of cannabis has failed. We 
need a new, smarter approach and I welcome this report ahead of the 
Liberal Democrats' debate at spring conference.

"It is a waste of police time to go after young people using cannabis 
and ludicrous to saddle them with criminal convictions that can 
damage their future careers. A legal market would allow us to have 
more control over what is sold, and raise a considerable amount in taxation."

Panel chairman Steve Rolles said: "The reality is that millions of 
people use cannabis in the UK and there is a pressing need for 
government to take control of the trade from gangsters and unregulated dealers.

"Legal regulation is now working well, despite the fear-mongering, in 
Colorado and Washing-ton and will roll out across the US over the coming years.

"This is no longer a theoretical debate - and the emerging evidence 
is only pointing in one direction."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom