Davey Defends Stance on Cannabis Legalization and Smoking Ban

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has insisted that his support for the illegalization of cannabis is not inconsistent with backing a phased smoking ban. His remarks came in response to public questions during a BBC Radio 5 Live phone-in, where he defended his party’s stance on these health-related policies.

Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill aimed to make selling tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2009, illegal. Although this policy garnered support from Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs, it was not passed before the general election as the government ran out of time.

Sir Ed Davey’s Stance

Sir Ed Davey told the BBC he wanted a regulated market for cannabis, arguing that potent forms of the drug and smoking were both “very harmful to people’s health.” Addressing questions from the public, Sir Ed explained that his support for the smoking ban did not impact his stance on cannabis legalization. “Some people have said it is inconsistent and it is consistent,” he said.

Regulated Market for Cannabis

The Liberal Democrat leader elaborated on the party’s policy to introduce a regulated market for cannabis to ensure that more potent and dangerous forms like skunk are not available. “I’m banning skunk because that’s very, very harmful to people’s health. And cigarette smoking, everyone sees, it’s really clear it’s very, very harmful,” he stated.

Sir Ed added, “It was a real challenge for me, I’ll be honest with you, as a liberal. I don’t like banning things but the health arguments on things like skunk, on things like cigarette smoking are so overwhelming, that if you’re serious about the NHS and you’re serious about what happens to families when they lose their parents, you just need to act.”

Personal Experience and Policy Impact

Sir Ed explained that his position was partly influenced by his personal experience of losing both his parents to cancer. When asked if he had ever smoked cannabis himself, he admitted to having done so “on a few occasions” at university but “very seldom.”

Future of Drug Policies

Pressed on whether the Liberal Democrats would consider legalising other drugs, such as magic mushrooms, Sir Ed stated that the party wanted “evidence-based health policies.” The Lib Dem manifesto, outlining the party’s plans if elected, pledges to take “‘skunk’ off the streets by introducing a legal, regulated market for cannabis.” The manifesto specifies that sales would be restricted to over-18s, from licensed retailers, with strict limits on potency.

Benefits of Cannabis Legalisation

The manifesto also highlights benefits such as freeing up police time, reducing court backlogs, and tackling prison overcrowding by diverting people arrested for possession of drugs for personal use into treatment where appropriate.

Conservative Party’s Plans

Under the Conservative Party’s plans, the legal age for cigarette sales, currently 18, would increase by one year annually. This means people born in or after 2009 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes. Critics argue that such a policy could create a “black market,” which is unregulated. Despite running out of time to pass the law before the election, the Tories have recommitted to the policy in their manifesto.

Labor’s Position

Labor has also pledged to bring in the smoking ban if it wins power, though neither party has plans to legalize any drugs.

Other Parties’ Stances

The Scottish National Party (SNP) manifesto pledges to decriminalize drugs for personal use, while the Green Party manifesto promises a National Commission to agree on an evidence-based approach to reform drug laws, moving towards a legally regulated market. Green MPs would “push to decriminalize the personal possession of drugs.” Reform UK, on the other hand, has pledged mandatory life imprisonment for drug dealing and a new offence of Substantial Possession of Drugs carrying heavy fines.

Sir Ed Davey’s stance on cannabis legalization and support for a phased smoking ban underscores the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to health-focused, evidence-based drug policies. His personal experiences and the party’s manifesto highlight a broader approach to tackling public health issues while aiming for regulatory reforms to address outdated drug laws.