London Mayor Supports Cannabis Decriminalisation Amid Police Opposition

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has endorsed a report from the independent London Drugs Commission (LDC) calling for the decriminalisation of small amounts of natural cannabis, arguing that current laws are disproportionate and harm police-community relations, especially affecting ethnic minority groups. The LDC, chaired by Lord Charlie Falconer, recommended moving natural cannabis possession from the Misuse of Drugs Act to the Psychoactive Substances Act, which would legalize small personal use while keeping dealing and production illegal. The report highlights that cannabis policing disproportionately targets ethnic minorities, damaging trust between communities and law enforcement. However, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley opposes decriminalisation, stating that drug use is linked to crime and anti-social behavior in communities, and that the police are not calling for a change in the law. The Government has also rejected calls for reform, with officials emphasizing they have no plans to reclassify cannabis. The LDC suggests focusing criminal justice efforts on dealers rather than users, alongside improving addiction services and education on cannabis risks.