Legalising the green stuff (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Legalising the green stuff

March 13, 2002 12:00 AM

Some people have called it radical, some people have called it common sense. The police say it is important for effective criminal justice about improving law and order. Others sigh with relief that at least one party thinks what you puff at night or 'take' at weekends is not something that makes you a criminal - what does the legalisation of cannabis and the re-classification of other drugs mean to you? One thing the Lib Dems will point out to you is the policy passed at last weeks conference is balanced, realistic and well argued. As Lib Dems we are not naÔve about the dangers of drugs in our society. But our liberal philosophical tradition does mean that we believe that government should only seek use coercion against the individual to prevent harm to others or society as a whole. But philosophy cannot always be the only steer to policy, it is motivated by the real and pressing need for a more effective policy to reduce the widespread harm and destruction caused by drugs. Liberal Democrats are absolutely committed to find ways to reduce that harm and destruction. But current drugs law are not working, the UK has one of the most punitive approaches to drugs in Europe yet the highest levels of drug use and misuse in Europe. My view is if the law is not working then we need reform. Below are the key features of the policy passed: A standing Drugs Commission with a remit to look at social effects and abuse of legal drugs including alcohol, tobacco and solvents as well as currently illegal drugs. Re-allocate resources towards drug treatment, education and rehabilitation facilities. Measures to reduce drug dependency, including specialist heroin treatment clinics, and allowing GPs to prescribe short term doses of addictive drugs, to remove dependence on criminal suppliers. Re-classify cannabis as a Class C drug, and ecstasy as a Class B drug. A new offence of 'dealing' to target those supplying illegal drugs over long periods of time. Allow the selling of drugs near children to be an aggravating factor in sentencing. Support the current Proceeds of Crime bill to facilitate confiscation of criminal assets.