Former Health Minister urges legalisation
Norman Lamb called on MP’s to legalise the consumption and possession of cannabis.
“Careers are blighted for using a substance that no doubt many people on the government benches have used at some stage in their life”
“It is total hypocrisy that the most dangerous drug of all, in terms of harm to yourself and others, alcohol, is consumed in large quantities right here in our national Parliament, whilst we criminalise others for using a less dangerous drug – with many using it for the relief of pain.”
Lambs bill was offering a more rational alternative, one that would see strict regulation on the growing, selling and marketing of the drug. Age limit of 18 and clear levels of potency.
Taxing cannabis would allow the revenues to go towards education, NHS and the police.
He spoke about constituents that face no option but to obtain cannabis illegally as their doctors have been told not to refer patients.
The Liberal Democrat told MPs: “It is clear the recent reforms are not working,” as he called for a “more enlightened approach”.
The bill in the House of Commons was rejected by 66 votes to 52.
