“We need to shift our focus from punishment to harm reduction.”
— Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Are the winds changing, or is this just a gust against the headwinds?
On May 28th, 2025, Sadiq Khan reignited national debate by calling for the partial decriminalisation of cannabis possession.
It’s one of the boldest political statements on UK drug policy in years. But is it a signal that the decades-long war on weed might finally be losing its grip?
Is legalisation around the corner, or is it all just a cloud of political smoke?
Let’s take a clear-eyed look at what’s happening, and what could be coming next.
Where Are We Now?
Cannabis is still classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. That means:
- Possession can lead to up to 5 years in prison or an unlimited fine.
- Supply or production can result in up to 14 years in prison.
In practice, first-time possession often results in a warning or small fine, especially in urban areas.
Medical cannabis was legalised in 2018, but remains hard to access through the NHS – although it is easier through private clinics.
CBD is legal, but only under strict conditions. For example, CBD flower (while widely sold) is technically illegal but practically difficult to prohibit as its also be classed as hemp.
The result? A confused legal landscape where harms persist, lives are disrupted, and the black market thrives.
What Did Sadiq Khan Propose?
Khan’s proposal focuses on decriminalising possession for young people, especially first-time offenders caught with small amounts of cannabis.
he’s not calling for legalisation, but it’s a meaningful step.
His comments came after reviewing a report from the London Drugs Commission, which found that criminalising cannabis users fuels racial disparities, wastes police resources, and fails to address underlying social or health issues.
The suggested response is to shift the focus from punishment to harm reduction.
However, the government remains resistant. Labour ministers have dismissed Khan’s calls for decriminalisation, citing concerns about links between cannabis use and mental health issues.
Decriminalisation vs Legalisation
Let’s clear this up:
| Decriminalisation | Legalisation |
|---|---|
| Still illegal, but no jail or criminal record for possession | Fully legal to buy, grow, and sell under regulation |
| Often includes civil fines or education programs | Regulated system, similar to alcohol or tobacco |
| Reduces legal harms but maintains black market | Generates tax revenue, safety standards, and access |
Recreational cannabis has been legalised in 24 states US states, while seven others have decriminalised. Canada legalised nationwide in 2018, while Portugal decriminalised the personal possession of all drugs in 2001.
Most recently, Germany legalised in April 2024, allowing adults to possess up to 25 grams in public and 50 grams at home, and to cultivate up to three plants.
Sadiq Khan is advocating decriminalisation. This could prevent thousands of young people from getting criminal records, but it wouldn’t end prohibition.
So What’s Holding Us Back?
Despite growing public support, the path to legalisation remains blocked by several entrenched forces.
The Conservative Party continues to resist reform, maintaining a hardline stance that ignores mounting evidence and international trends.
Media fearmongering also plays a significant role, with sensationalist headlines focusing on the health risks of cannabis and linking its use to social decay.
There’s also a well-established cultural stigma that continues to espouse outdated narratives that paint cannabis users as lazy, addicted, and on the path to harder drug use.
Finally, there’s a glaring lack of political courage; while figures like Sadiq Khan are beginning to test the waters, most national politicians will avoid the issue unless it becomes politically safe.
Signs of Progress: Is the UK Getting Closer?
Despite the barriers, there are signs that the tide is turning.
Public opinion in the UK is shifting, with recent polls showing that over half the population (and even more younger voters) support some form of cannabis legalisation.
Medical cannabis use is also on the rise, with more than 30,000 patients now receiving prescriptions through an expanding network of private clinics.
Meanwhile, countries like Canada, Germany, Thailand, and many US states are leading the way with successful legalisation efforts, increasing pressure on the UK to modernise its approach.
At the same time, the growing popularity of CBD, Delta-8, and other hemp-derived products is helping to normalise cannabis and broaden public understanding beyond just THC.
It’s no longer just a fringe issue. Cannabis reform is (slowly) moving into the mainstream.
What Could Legal Weed Look Like in the UK?
If we did go fully legal here in the UK, what might it look like?
It would most likely be a heavily regulated system, similar to Canada or Germany, with:
- Strict licensing and age controls
- Limitations on advertising
- Tight control over potency and product types
- Taxes funnelled into health and education
- A likely dominance of corporate players
There’s also a risk that legalisation focuses more on profit than wellbeing, leading to high prices, limited access, and little room for small growers or traditional cannabis communities.
The design matters a lot. If we over-regulate, it won’t reduce harms, the black market, or public use. But knowing how Government’s operate, particularly n the UK, there is a strong possibility that that will happen.
Our Take
Understanding of addiction and mental health is evolving. Experts now advocate for harm reduction strategies, emphasising education, regulation and support over criminalisation.
This approach recognises that drug use is often a symptom of deeper societal issues and that punitive measures may exacerbate harm.
Put simply, we believe that cannabis is not the problem. Prohibition is.
The UK is behind. But it doesn’t have to be.
Smart legalisation – built on health, equity, and education – could:
- Remove unnecessary burdens from the legal system
- Undercut the black market
- Create jobs and tax revenue
- Open doors to new treatments
- End decades of unjust criminalisation
But we must be careful. Without grassroots input, we risk control being consolidated and the people who built the culture being shut out.
So… When Will Weed Be Legal in the UK?
Let’s be honest: it won’t happen under the current government. But pressure is building.
Here’s our best guess:
- Decriminalisation of possession (especially in cities): within 2–3 years
- Full legalisation for recreational use: 5–10 years – likely after a change in government and more public education
But the real answer is that it will happen when we, the people, demand it. Loudly, consistently, and collectively.
Join the Movement
If you care about cannabis policy, health freedom, and honest drug education in the UK, now’s the time to pay attention.
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