Jeremy Corbyn calls for cannabis to be decriminalised for medical use 'as soon as possible'

He also said possession of small amounts of cannabis should be decriminalised

ByMikey Smith


Jeremy Corbyn has called for cannabis to be decriminalised for medical use “as quickly as possible.”
And he renewed calls for possession of cannabis to be decriminalised, saying the debate is “moving on.”

He told Sky’s Ridge on Sunday: “I think we have to look at the health concerns of any drug that people take. No drug is without consequences when people take it.

“Personally I don’t take any drugs at all, and I think we should just think about it quite carefully.
Asked if he stood by an Early Day Motion he signed in 2000, calling for possession of cannabis to be decriminalised, he said he did.

“I think criminalising people for possession of small amounts of cannabis is not a terribly great idea and does lead to great difficulties particularly for younger people in communities like mine,” he said.

“So I do think the debate is moving on.”

Home Secretary Sajid Javid last week announced a review of the practice of using cannabis for medicinal purposes.

Mr Javid said if experts recommend medicinal cannabis should be allowed, it will be.

However, he stressed ministers have ruled out legalising the drug for recreational use - and the maximum 5-year jail term for possession will remain.

He also granted a 20-day emergency licence for 12-year-old Billy Caldwell from Northern Ireland to receive the treatment.