Cannabis is a big money maker, irrespective of whether it is illegal or not. When illegal, it is the black market that thrives, while taxpayer money is wasted on trying to enforce the War on Drugs – to little success. Understandably, it is a serious issue and one that those with greater minds than most modern politicians are trying to fathom.

In the UK, the result of this concern lead to a panel of experts being formed, made up of scientists, academics, drug policy experts and even representation from the police. Over the last year, the panel has been deliberating and investigating. They have now concluded that not only would legalising cannabis help reduce the damage currently being done to society, but it would also raise over £1 billion in the process.

HOW?

According to the panel, selling cannabis to those over the age of 18 through licensed and regulated shops, as well as allowing small-scale home cultivation, would allow the government to control the quality of cannabis while raising taxes during the process. It would also halt the expenditure of tax payer’s money, and police time, on hunting down and incarcerating users and forever branding them with a criminal record – majorly damaging their future prospects.

The panel stated: “We are fully aware of the health harms associated with cannabis use, but contend that a rational policy must pragmatically manage the reality of use as it currently exists, rather than attempt to eradicate it using punitive enforcement.”

It is another knock to the War on Drugs here in the EU but is sure to be scoffed at by leading politicians. However, the seeds of doubt have been sown, and as more evidence makes headline news, people are beginning to question why it is that cannabis is illegal. £1 billion in tax and savings is nothing to turn your nose up at; it is about time governments started listening.

			Written by: Josh Writer, psychonaut and cannabis aficionado, Josh is Zamnesia’s in-house expert. He spends his days nestled out in the countryside, delving into the hidden depths of all things psychoactive in nature.
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