Legalise Cannabis, Argues Leading Expert

3 October 201057 viewsNo Comment

Cannabis is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco, according to Professor Roger Pertwee, Britain’s leading expert on the drug. He believes that cannabis should be available for recreational use and sold with the same restrictions as those used to regulate tobacco and alcohol. Professor Pertwee proposes that a person apply for a license to purchase cannabis, be over the age of 21 and have a doctor’s approval. A government agency would regulate the drug to control the quality and safety of the products.

Last year the government declared cannabis to be a Class B drug, which carries a maximum penalty for possession of a fine plus five years in prison. Cannabis dealers are faced with a 14-year maximum sentence. This move was against the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, whose chairman, Professor David Nutt, Imperial College London professor of neuropsychopharmacology, was fired after criticising the government’s actions and drug policy. Five of his colleagues protested his firing by resigning themselves.

Professor Pertwee wants to reopen the debate on cannabis. He notes that since the drug is illegal, users are forced to buy it from an illicit dealer or grow it illegally. The composition of purchases from illegal dealers is not controlled and no one knows what has been added to it.

There has been concern that using cannabis can cause schizophrenia in a small number of people. Professor Pertwee suggested that doctors should assess a person’s medical history to determine their susceptibility to mental problems before granting them a license.

Professor Nutt said, “Criminalisation of cannabis is irrational since it is obviously less harmful than alcohol, and we must develop new regulations for cannabis. Professor Pertwee’s analysis has merits in fact and should be actively examined.”

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