Sadiq Khan has announced a commission to study the effectiveness of drug laws in the United Kingdom, with a special focus on those who administer cannabis.
The London Narcotics Commission, chaired by Lord Charlie Falconer QC, a former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of Justice, was one of Khan’s manifesto promises in his re-election last year.
The mayor of London said a group of independent experts on criminal justice, public health, politics, public relations and academia would gather to review evidence from around the world on the results of various drug policies.
Khan is now on a four-day visit to the United States to encourage investment in London to support his recovery from the pandemic. The trip also includes a fact-finding mission to Los Angeles to see the impact of the city’s decision to legalize cannabis in 2016.
Khan visited a dispensary and cannabis cultivation facility, met with licensed retailers and manufacturers, and spoke with Los Angeles Police Department and local government officials.
California legalized the use of cannabis for entertainment after a public vote that passed with the approval of 57% of voters, although counties and cities may still choose to ban its sale.
Supporters said the move would create a market for safe and regulated cannabis while reducing the power of criminal gangs.
The change in the law has led to a drop in cannabis-related arrests – from 13,810 in 2016 to 6,065 in 2017 – but critics say the illegal market continues to thrive, with up to 90% of all sales still coming from unlicensed sellers.
The London Commission will seek to assess the best methods of preventing drug use, the most effective responses to criminal justice and the public health benefits of the different approaches.
University College London is appointed to provide research and analysis on the implications of any potential policy change.
The Commission will not consider Class A medicines.
After completing his work, he will make policy recommendations for the mayor’s office, the government, the police, the criminal justice system and public health services.
Announcing the commission, Hahn said he believed it would “help tackle drug crime, protect the health of Londoners and reduce the enormous damage that illicit drugs do to our communities”.
He added: “The illicit drug trade is doing great damage to our society and we need to do more to tackle this epidemic and continue the debate over our drug laws.
That’s why I’m here in LA today to see first-hand the approach they’ve taken to cannabis.
Falconer said: “I am honored to have been appointed Chair of the London Medicines Commission. We need to strictly determine what is the best approach to harm reduction for our communities.
“The national debate is long overdue. We strive to make recommendations to achieve effective and lasting change. “
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garsetti said the decriminalization of cannabis offers “historically marginalized communities opportunities for treatment, entrepreneurship and wealth creation” in a growing industry.
“Cities have so much to learn from each other, and I welcome Mayor Han’s careful approach as London moves forward,” he said.
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