Half of deputies back cannabis decriminalisation

Work to look at the decriminalisation of cannabis was paused in the last political term

Half of Guernsey's deputies support decriminalising cannabis, according to research by the BBC.

Eleven of the island's 38 politicians have said they are either undecided on the issue, or will wait to see any proposals before making a decision.

While four have expressed their opposition, while 19 supported plans to decriminalise the Class B drug locally.

Andy Cameron, Vice-president for Education, Sport and Culture, said: "I believe the time has come to seriously explore the legalisation, regulation, and taxation of cannabis in Guernsey."

During the previous political term, Health and Social Care (HSC) started a "high-level scoping exercise" to examine the legal status of cannabis. But that work was paused after 12 months.

HSC President George Oswald was one of those without a firm view on the issue, and said his committee "looks forward to working with other committees on this workstream, and we look forward to any proposals from the Committee for Home Affairs".

Committee for Home Affairs President Marc Leadbeater has been a long-time advocate of reforming the island's drug laws.

Previously, some deputies have warned the UK government would not allow Guernsey to relax the island's drug laws.

What is decriminalisation?

Cannabis decriminalisation is different to legalisation.

Decriminalisation, which is favoured by many deputies, reduces or eliminates criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of cannabis.

Guernsey and bailiwick courts take offences related to the possession and trafficking of drugs extremely seriously.

While legalisation refers to the removal of all legal prohibitions against cannabis, allowing adults to purchase and use it similarly to alcohol or tobacco, and equivalent to Amsterdam.

Many politicians in Guernsey have said they want to see the island move towards a Canadian model of decriminalisation, where people have legal and regulated access to recreational marijuana.

Deputy Andy Cameron supported reforming the island's drug laws in his manifesto

The medicinal use of cannabis was legalised in Guernsey in 2021 and some politicians have said that system is being abused.

Mr Cameron said: "Guernsey currently has de-facto decriminalisation of cannabis.

"Almost anyone can obtain a medical cannabis prescription, often for minor conditions.

"The high volume of prescriptions has fuelled a widespread diversion market — yet, contrary to past concerns, the sky hasn't fallen in."

What work has already been done?

In 2022, politicians voted, as part of debate on the government work plan, to allow HSC to do some work scoping a review of decriminalising the drug.

However, a lack of resources at officer level within HSC led to that work being paused in the last political term.

Some newly-elected deputies, including Deputy David Dorrity, said they wanted to see that work completed before they made any decision on whether the Class B substance should be decriminalised locally.