Crime Solicitors

The Liberal Democrats are reported to be considering decriminalising all drugs for personal use – as well as allowing the Class B drug cannabis to be sold on the open market, according to a report in The Guardian.

The party’s draft election manifesto reveals the proposals regarding legalising drugs for personal use – the policy paper will be discussed at the LibDems’ autumn party conference in Glasgow.

The paper says, however, that the LibDems would adopt the model of decriminalisation used in Portugal, “where those who possess drugs for personal use will be diverted into other services”.

The LibDems have previously proposed that drug users should not be sent to jail, but should be rehabilitated rather than criminalised – and should face civil penalties for personal drug use.

New Labour declassified cannabis from a Class B drug to a Class C drug, but it was later reclassified as a Class B drug. Cannabis is seen as a gateway drug which can lead to using Class A drugs such as crack cocaine, which is also smoked.

Previous research has also shown links between cannabis use and increased risks for cancers and mental health conditions such as schizophrenia.

However, the LibDems policy document states that the party “welcomes the establishment of a regulated cannabis market in Uruguay, Colorado and Washington state”, suggesting that a similar market might be allowed in the UK if the LibDems were elected.

The establishment of an open drugs market could provide the government with additional revenue from taxes – and potentially could also remove control of the drugs market from gangs and drug dealers.

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of criminal defence solicitors and can advise at any stage of a charge – including criminal charges relating to possession of drugs, supplying drugs, or production of drugs.

Duncan Lewis crime solicitors are available 24/7, 365 days a year – and regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons to advise on drugs charges, including youth courts and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs).

For expert legal advice on criminal charges, call Duncan Lewis crime solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

For out-of-hours legal advice on criminal charges and representation, call the Duncan Lewis Out-of-Hours Crime Lawyers Hotline on 07920 077057.