Sadiq Khan endorses evidence-led push to decriminalise possession of small amounts of cannabis, saying the current approach causes more harm than the drug itself.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has backed a landmark report calling for the decriminalisation of cannabis possession for personal use, as part of a broader push to reform the capital’s approach to drug policing.
The long-awaited findings from the independent London Drugs Commission—set up by the mayor last year—urge a radical rethink of how cannabis is policed, arguing that the current criminal justice approach is ineffective, harmful, and disproportionately affects Black Londoners.
Khan said the report presents a “compelling, evidence-based case” for removing criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of natural cannabis. While rejecting full legalisation, the Commission recommends that cannabis be reclassified and its possession no longer treated as a criminal offence—especially when it is for personal or medicinal use.
“We need fresh thinking on how to reduce the substantial harms associated with drug-related crime in our communities,” Khan said. “The current sentencing for those caught in possession of natural cannabis cannot be justified given its relative harm and people’s experience of the justice system.”
The mayor added that the report’s findings—covering education, healthcare and policing—will be shared with the government, the Met Police, NHS London, and other key partners.
‘Criminalisation does more harm than cannabis itself’
The Commission, chaired by former Labour justice secretary Lord Falconer KC and working with researchers at University College London, consulted more than 200 experts worldwide. Their conclusion: the criminalisation of cannabis possession, especially through stop-and-search, causes greater societal harm than the drug’s usage itself.
Cannabis is currently classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment for possession. The Commission recommends removing cannabis from the MDA altogether and instead regulating it as a controlled substance under the Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA), where penalties would be more proportionate.
Lord Falconer stressed that “legalisation is not the answer,” but said criminal justice resources should be focused on dealers, not users. “A custodial sentence for personal use feels excessive,” the report states, noting that even when short sentences are imposed, the life consequences can be significant—especially for young or disadvantaged individuals.
The report also highlighted the racial disparities in drug policing, particularly the disproportionate use of stop-and-search against Black communities. It called for the removal of cannabis possession as grounds for initiating stop-and-search, arguing that doing so would improve community trust and reduce inequality.
Balancing public health with public safety
While critics argue that reform could send the wrong message, proponents say the current regime fails both on public health and public confidence.
David Raynes of the National Prevention of Drugs Alliance warned against softening the law, saying it could be “misconstrued as cannabis being less harmful.”
But the Commission argues that regulated reform—backed by education and health interventions—would serve society far better. It points out that even in cases where cannabis is found in quantities above the personal threshold, current punishments often “feel extreme relative to the actual risks.”
The report also noted that decriminalisation would ease the burden on those who use cannabis medicinally but are unable to obtain prescriptions legally, helping to shift drug policy toward compassion and practicality.
Next steps for City Hall
Khan has promised to review the report’s recommendations and continue the conversation with stakeholders. “Better education, improved healthcare and more effective, equitable policing of cannabis use are long overdue,” he said.
While the final decision on any change to drug classification rests with central government, the mayor’s backing adds political weight to the reform debate and puts pressure on ministers to consider a shift in national policy.
