Will UK Cannabis Laws Change Under New Labour Government? Doesn’t Look That Way Just Yet
The Labour Party’s electoral victory on Monday, securing a majority in the 2024 UK general election under Keir Starmer, marks the end of 14 years of Conservative dominance. However, when it comes to cannabis policy, the change in leadership is unlikely to prompt a shift toward legalization, at least not yet.
Starmer Firm On Maintaining UK Drug Laws
Starmer has consistently expressed reluctance to modify the UK’s drug laws. “We are not considering decriminalization of cannabis or any drugs. It’s really important that we keep the drugs laws as they are at the moment. So no plan there at all”, Starmer told ITV News on Wednesday last week. His stance mirrors the party’s broader approach, focusing on maintaining current drug policies despite public debates and some internal calls for reconsideration.
UK Divided On Cannabis Legalization
Cannabis is the most used illegal substance in the UK, with 7.6% of adults aged 16 to 59 reporting usage in the past year, according to 2023 data from the Office for National Statistics cited by Forbes. However, public opinion on legalization is divided. A 2022 survey by Redfield & …