Cannabis laws could be relaxed in London as officials look for “fresh ideas” on drugs in the capital, it is claimed.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan says he will establish a new commission to look at the use of drugs in the capital if he is re-elected next month – and is reportedly open to sweeping rule changes.
The Labour politician has pledged to start the group of independent experts for “fresh ideas” if he wins a new mandate in the May 6 election.
These experts from fields including criminal justice, community relations and public health, will examine evidence on the harms of drugs, support services and prevention, the effectiveness of current laws as well as tackling the root causes of crime.
It would be expected to report to the Mayor with policy recommendations including for City Hall, the police, health services and central Government.
The Guardian reported that according to a source close to the mayor, Mr Khan would be willing to consider supporting changes to the legal status of cannabis if that is the view of the commission.
This view regarding the class B drug could differ from other members of his party after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he did not support decriminalising the possession of cannabis.
However, Sir Keir said in February there “may be something” in initiatives to issue cautions for low-level crimes and there is “always room for grown-up debate” on the issue.
