How long before having a spliff is as acceptable as enjoying a cold pint on a hot summers' day?

Dr. David Nutt has raised some interesting points this week in the long running cannabis debate. The problem is that most of these points have been argued time and time again. Of course the typical arguments have cropped up once again like “horse riding is more dangerous than ecstasy” and “nobody has even died from a cannabis over-dose”.


This may all be true but is it really something MPs and Lords are going to take into consideration when deciding upon the legalisation of cannabis? The case for legalisation has had considerable backing with Richard Branson claiming this week that pushing through legislation decriminalising marijuana is “win win” for the government. Tax it, he said. You free up valuable prison space by not convicting small time users of the drug, waste less tax payers money and police time in making their arrests in the first place and earn the government money from taxing the produce.




It might not be long before farms like this are common place in Britain


Legalisation can only be a good thing. It would mean introducing a whole new industry to Britain – and mark my words, this industry would be huge. It would create thousands of jobs. Growers will be required to farm the crop, drivers will be needed to transport it, and someone will be needed to help sell it.

In the current financial climate, the government can ill afford to pass up such an excellent opportunity to pull some of that illusive “drug money” back into the economy. Of course, importing and exporting will be relatively off the menu for now but if Britain were to take the plunge and commit to its decriminalisation – others will surely follow.

Those sceptical of the proposals should look to Portugal for reassurance. Not a single person has been arrested there in 10 years for a drugs offence and drug-related deaths have been reduced.

Dame Judy Dench has also given the campaign her backing saying if it is proven that the current stance on drugs is failing then “immediate decriminalisation” is necessary.

Once people get used to the fact that cannabis is not actually harmful if used properly then we will see the benefits of its medicinal properties. With the right instructions for use, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

So with much high profile support, are we really nearing a time when a joint will replace the cigar as the standard after dinner treat? As Dr. Nutt would argue...it’s certainly healthier.