MPs Call For Cannabis Legalisation: More Tax and Treasury Income?
The Adam Smith Institute estimates that the UK Government could save more than £50m combating cannabis-related crimes and dealings in the United Kingdom by making it legal. Senior MP and ex-Tory Cabinet Minister Peter Lilley and Labour MP Paul Flynn back the research's suggestion as it could save millions from taxpayer's money and earn even more through the legalisation of marijuana.
Cannabis is a relaxant often used as recreational drugs that -- according to research -- has minimal side effects. Registered medical professionals also use it in chronic pain and anxiety treatment.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Drug Policy Reform said millions of UK citizens break the law every time they use cannabis as symptom relief.
Legalisation would mean doctors could allow patients to grow the plants in limited amounts for their medicinal use.
However, the Home Office said it has no plans to legalise the drug. A petition exists that is calling for cannabis to become legal. About 150,000 people have signed and the government has yet to respond to the petition.
According to the Government, scientific evidence indicates that cannabis is a "harmful drug that can damage human health."
It added that cannabis "would not address the harm to individuals or communities."