Downing Street has said that Boris Johnson has “absolutely no intention of legalising cannabis” and insisted that policy on controlled drugs was a matter for central Government and not for the Mayor.
The Prime Minister’s press secretary, Allegra Stratton, took a stern stance at the idea of decriminalising the class-B drug and said it was an “illicit” substance that “destroyed lives.”
The quick slap down came after Sadiq Khan said he would set up an independent London Drugs Commission to examine the potential benefits of decriminalising the drug - if he is re-elected.
He believes that the new approach, which will look into how health and the economy could be improved from its legalisation, is needed to tackle drug-related crime.
Mr Khan also believes there is widespread public support for a more relaxed approach to decriminalisation, citing polls showing nearly two-thirds of those in the capital support legalising cannabis for adult recreational use.
The commission would also examine how countries around the world have tackled problems with drug use and addiction.
It is likely that he could look into Portugal, where possession and consumption of drugs have been decriminalised since 2001.
But Ms Stratton told reporters during a briefing that “Policy on controlled drugs is a matter for the UK government and there are no plans to devolve this responsibility.
“The prime minister has spoken about this on many occasions – illicit drugs destroy lives and we, he, has absolutely no intention of legalising cannabis, which is a harmful substance.”
Asked if he would be wasting his time with a review, she replied: “That is correct. Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, will know that the policy of controlled drugs is a matter for the UK government. It’s not a matter for his office.”
