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Lib Dems Want to Legalise Weed?

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22 August 2017

By Alex Khalil

The Liberal Democrats new leader Vince Cable wants to legalise cannabis, saying it would make sense to “regulate and control the market” instead of having criminals “control the mixing of substances”. The government, quite predictably, have said there are “no plans to legalise” the drug.

It said that the drug will remain a class B given that there is substantial evidence that “cannabis is a harmful drug”.

Theresa May spoke to BBC Newsbeat, saying:

‘We can see the damage caused to young people of taking drugs.

‘Our drug strategy is all about recovery and helping people to come through this and see a better life.’

Cable thinks that it’s the side effects of the drug that keep it from becoming legal. Given the number of things that can be mixed with cannabis, you do get toxic varieties like skunk and can lead to mental issues. These include things like panic attacks, paranoia and mood swings. So, it’s understandable that the government isn’t jumping on the bandwagon for legalising the drug.

However, there are some points to be made for legalising it. Cable pointed out that if the distribution of cannabis was done by the government, it would cut out the criminal element. Meaning if you’re going to do the drug, it may be safer than getting it from a dealer.

Cannabis is still a class B drug and can carry a maximum prison sentence of five years for possessing the drug, and up to 14 years for supplying and production.

Don’t do drugs kids.

 

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