Stricter punishment for cannabis possession could be coming to the UK under new proposals by Priti Patel, The UK Home Secretary.
The Home Secretary wants to bring in a “three strikes” policy to intimidate users of drugs. Offenders could find themselves punished by the wearing of electronic tags or facing random drugs tests.
Users of cannabis that are caught in possession will be told to attend a drugs awareness course or face an increased fine if they refuse.
Miss Patel said: “We are cracking down on drug use, with tougher consequences for so-called recreational drug users. They will face the consequences of their actions through sanctions including fines and conditions to attend rehabilitation courses, while drug offenders could have their passports and driving licences confiscated”.
“Drugs are a scourge across society. Drug misuse puts lives at risk, fuels criminality and serious and violent crime and also results in the grotesque exploitation of young, vulnerable people.”
The UK is currently sending out mixed messages on cannabis use. While Guernsey and the Isle of Mann are looking to invest in the sector the UK government remains opposed.
With a new leader of the Conservative party and therefore a new Prime Minister the plans could be altered at a later date.
This is despite many nations further legalising cannabis. The most recent of which being Thailand and the most famous being the United States.
As with previous government policies on drug use that have consistently failed over the previous decades, it is unlikely that this new policy recommendation will stem the use of drugs or the possession of cannabis in the UK.
