Germany decriminalised cannabis: why the UK should consider doing the same
This policy allows over-18s to possess a maximum of 25 grams of cannabis for personal use and grow up to three plants at home.
- This policy allows over-18s to possess a maximum of 25 grams of cannabis for personal use and grow up to three plants at home.
- The UK government cites concerns about the risk to mental health associated with using cannabis as a justification for supporting prohibition.
Cannabis and mental health
- There is extensive research exploring the relationship between cannabis and mental health problems, such as psychosis.
- The evidence suggests that some people may be more vulnerable than others to developing psychosis through cannabis use.
- The risk to mental health associated with cannabis, then, is relatively low.
Alcohol and tobacco: regulated but riskier
- Unlike cannabis, alcohol is regulated in the UK.
- As with cannabis, there are risks to mental health as a consequence of using alcohol.
- The risk of developing depression among heavy alcohol use is significant: one in two will experience depression.
- So despite alcohol being regulated or legal, the risks to a person’s mental health are greater than those posed by cannabis.
Public health
- In contrast, German policy reform includes a public health education programme which aims to reduce the risks of using cannabis.
- In 2007, when the Labour government introduced a ban on smoking in public areas, this wasn’t supported by many people.
- The risks to health from using cannabis, then, are relatively small compared to regulated drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.
- As the UK public finances continue to be squeezed, particularly around the NHS, persisting with the prohibition of cannabis is a missed opportunity for the nation’s health and a costly policy for its public services.
Mark Monaghan receives funding from UK Government, Cabinet Office and the ESRC. He has in the past received funding from the Nuffield Foundation. Ian Hamilton does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.