Cannabis is an effective, natural treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD and treating a variety of other conditions.
In the United States, it’s legal for medical use in more than half the states. Patients who want to use the herb need to apply for medical marijuana recommendation online or offline. In the country, cannabis is legal for recreational use in a few states as well.
In 2018, Canada became the first G7 country to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.
The herb is expected to be legalized in the UK within the next five to ten years—predicted a group of MPs from the three main political parties.
Jonathan Djanogly from the Conservative Party, Labour’s Dave Lammy, and Sir Norman Lamb from the Liberal Democrats visited a cannabis factory in Canada and gave their opinions about marijuana.
While on the trip, the MPs believed that the UK would follow Canada’s lead and would allow people to use recreational marijuana legally in the next decade.
Current cannabis legalization status in the UK
Currently, marijuana is classified as a Class B drug along with amphetamines, barbiturates, codeine, ketamine, and synthetic cathinones. Anyone who is caught in cannabis possession could face up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
Those involved in supply and production could face up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
If you’re under 18, the police can tell your parent or guardian that you have been caught with an illegal substance.
In 2004, cannabis was transferred to class C. The government stated that this decision had the desired effect, and it helped reduce the arrests for marijuana possession by one third in the first year, thus saving approximately 199,000 police hours. But, in 2009, the herb was reclassified as a class B drug.
However, there is some relaxation for medicinal cannabis products. In November 2018, the country changed the law for medicinal cannabis, moving it to schedule 2 from schedule 1. This means doctors can prescribe patients medicinal cannabis products under certain circumstances.
According to a recent survey, marijuana is one of the most popular drugs—with 30% of adults accepting that they have tried it at least once.
What Does the MPs Believe?
“I want the market legalized, regulated and taken away from crime gangs, young people not criminalized by use and properly educated. But I want to see the strength of the stuff reduced, labeled and properly organized in our county“ said Tottenham MP David Lammy.
When in Canada, Lib Dem MP Sir Lamb bought some oil and tried it. The oil was different from what is available in the UK. It contains THC, a psychoactive compound that causes high feelings.
“Taking this oil is purely for sleeping for relaxation. I will take it before bed and before my flight home.” the MP said.
Jonathan Djanogly said, “I think we have got a lot to learn before the legalization of recreational cannabis, which I think will happen at some point.”
But, according to the government, there’s no intention for changing the law for legalizing cannabis in the county.
What do you think about marijuana legalization in the UK? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Related Topic: Cannabis Bills For Using The Herb For Anxiety and Growing For Personal Use
