Jersey States votes not to decriminalise cannabis

The States voted not to relax the laws around cannabis use in Jersey

The States of Jersey has decided not to decriminalise cannabis by one vote.

Instead the States voted to ask ministers to come back with proposals to relax the laws that restrict its use.

Deputy Tom Coles, who lodged the proposition, argued giving someone a criminal record for using the drug was unfair and unnecessary.

Other members disagreed, claiming its effects were dangerous to people and harmful to society.

Further debates planned

Mr Coles' proposal included an acceptable gram allowance, restrictions on areas of consumption and restrictions on driving under the influence.

Pro-cannabis campaigners said they were encouraged there would be more debate about the issue despite being disappointed by the refusal.

Simon Harrison, who runs End Cannabis Prohibition Jersey, said he was not completely discouraged.

"It has been a partial success... [it] sets us on a pathway to developing regulations towards how we can approach cannabis in future," he said.

Future debates on the matter, which are due to happen next autumn, were expected to revolve where and when it may be acceptable to use cannabis.

They were also set to look at how the States could take action against anyone driving under the influence of the drug.