UK Could Make Millions From Legalizing Cannabis - New Report

Discussion in 'Marijuana News' started by jainaG, Nov 7, 2015.

  1. http://sputniknews.com/europe/20151013/1028470353/cannabis-legalization-drugs-uk.html




    A report buried by the British government detailing how much money it would make by legalizing
    cannabis has been leaked to the media. An internal government study
    commissioned by former deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg suggests that
    the Treasury could make up to $1219 million (£800 million) if cannabis
    was regulated in the same way as tobacco.
    Cannabis
    is a Class B drug and anyone caught in possession of it could face
    up to five years in jail and a fine. But legalizing cannabis wouldn't
    just boost Treasury coffers, it could also save $304 million (£200
    million) in court and police costs, according to the report which was
    set up to look at the "potential fiscal impact of introducing a
    regulated cannabis market in the UK".

    The report concludes that legalizing and regulating the cannabis
    market would "generate notable tax revenue" and begs the question as to
    why the British government continues to refuses to do so, if there is
    potential for such profits.



    When, not if. #LegaliseCannabis pic.twitter.com/9rzDfUHQbC

    - Andy Davies (@andrewdavies251) October 13, 2015


    During a recent parliamentary debate on legalizing cannabis, Labour MP Paul Flynn offered an answer to that question.

    "Since the decisions taken in the 1970s,
    governments have been denying the truth that is before them: the attempt
    to reduce drugs in prisons has been a continuing, abject failure…That
    failure has been going on for about 45 years…No government has had the
    sense to introduce a policy that could be described as intelligent."

    And Peter Lilley, Conservative MP who also attended the debate
    suggested another answer to the question why the government still
    refuses to legalize cannabis.

    "Those who are motivated by moral disapproval jump to the conclusion
    that because something is morally wrong, it should be against the law.
    Lots of things are morally wrong that are not against the law….We would
    be a healthier and better country if we gave people that moral
    responsibility, without saying that it is something that we approve of.

    "Those of us who disapprove of certain decisions should make the
    moral arguments against them, rather than dressing them up as, or hiding
    behind, largely spurious and bogus health concerns, which are at best
    greatly exaggerated, and at worst non-existent," said Lilley.



    Take note! They all agree with us…! #cannabisdebate #legalisecannabis via #Transform pic.twitter.com/T9JuxAHnln

    - LONDON420â„¢ (@L4UR4SW33D) October 12, 2015


    Cannabis is uncontrolled and available in every village, town and
    city in the UK. 216 tonnes of cannabis was smoked in the UK in the
    past year and 22 million people aged 16 to 59 are thought to have used
    the drug in that time.

    According to figures from the Association of Chief Police Officers,
    the number of commercial cannabis farms is on the rise. Between 2008 and
    2011, there was a 15% increase with 3,032 compared to 7,865. Rates
    of cannabis use by young people in Britain are amongst the highest
    in Europe.



    here's the transcript for yestreday's UK parliamentary debate on cannabis legalisation http://t.co/uOvMNjAGH5 pic.twitter.com/beI41VEYwS

    - TransformDrugPolicy (@TransformDrugs) October 13, 2015


    The Conservative government does not consider a review of UK drugs
    laws as a priority – but the revelation of the amount of money it could
    make if it did, might alter some minds.


    Read more: http://sputniknews.com/europe/20151013/1028470353/...
     

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