Transform plans to launch UK cannabis campaign for responsible legislation

The independent, UK-based charity, Transform is gearing up to launch a nationwide campaign aimed at accelerating cannabis reform in the UK. The charity has set a goal of £50,000 that they are seeking to raise to support its mission to create 'responsible cannabis regulation' to the country. Recent polls reveal that over half of the UK population now supports the legalisation of cannabis, with an estimated 2.5 million users both medically and recreationally across the UK annually. More countries across Europe are embracing progressive cannabis laws, which follows Malta's lead as the first EU nation to legalise cannabis in 2021. Furthermore, in April, Germany passed the CanG Act, which removed cannabis from its list of narcotics, allowing people to possess up to 25 grams on their person, and also granting the home cultivation of four plants maximum. Switzerland and the Netherlands similarly have introduced pilot programmes to test regulated cannabis sales, with legal says expected to reach €104 million this year. Despite these developments across Europe, drug policy was notably absent from the recent elections manifestos of the mainland UK political parties. Transform believes that cannabis prohibition is fuelling crime, keeping profits untaxed and in the hands of criminal organisations, and severely increasing health risks associated with unregulated use of the plant. Transforms vision will enable a legalised UK cannabis market that responsibly regulates both sales and production. The independent drug policy foundation advocates for testing, quality controls, and clear labelling which will ensure consumers are aware of exactly what they are buying, alongside stricter age restrictions and advertising bans. In turn, the tax revenue generated would help to fund education, health, and harm reduction initiatives which will create a safer, regulated market that protects communities from the dangers of the illegal trade. The £50,000 in funding will create opportunities for Transform to capitalise on shifting public opinion and help to bring the issue to policymakers. The focus of their campaign will be to build cross-party support in Parliament and develop a Private Members Bill as a catalyst for reform in Westminster. They also plan to collaborate with affected communities and experts to create a roadmap for implementing adult use cannabis regulation in the UK, alongside economic analysis of a regulated markets potential benefits. The organisation continues to stress that other governments have already recognised the benefits of regulating and legalising cannabis, and it is certainly time for the UK to follow suit. Written by Laura Bartlett 08/08/2024 at 11:44am