UK: Legalization Petition Secures Enough Signatures to Earn Debate in Parliament

[Uncle Joe]

http://hightimes.com/read/uk-legalization-petition-secures-enough-signatures-earn-debate-parliament

Parliament may soon be forced to seriously consider the legalization of marijuana, especially with a petition circulating throughout the United Kingdom that has managed to collect more than 156,000 signatures in support of the issue over the past few days.

Recently an e-petition, which suggests that ending prohibition in the UK could generate in upwards of $800 million in taxes, save nearly $400 million in law enforcement resources, and create thousands of new jobs, was posted to the government’s website promoting democratic order. The petition says that cannabis is “safer than alcohol, and has many uses,” but despite being a product of society for over 4000 years, the herb was “made illegal in the UK in 1925.”

(snip)

In spite of this appeal for pot reform being given until late January 2016 to collect the necessary signatures, it surprisingly managed to surpass the requirement over the weekend – accumulating well over 156,000 signatures by Monday morning.

(snip)

The petition was launched just days after Durham County crime commissioner Ron Hogg announced that his forces would no longer pursue small-time cannabis growers. The jurisdiction’s leading law enforcer said last week that unless a resident was blatantly disregarding the law or causing reason for complaint, the department’s new policy was to turn a blind eye to individuals growing weed for personal use. Instead, Hogg said his officers would be refocusing their efforts on bringing down the scourge of the illegal drug trade.

Come on Parliament, do the right thing, debate and legalize.

[bluedigger]

1. I'm really surprised legalization hasn't had more strength in Europe generally.

They must really love their booze.

[Comrade Grumpy]

2. That's an impressive showing by the petitioners. Now, parliament will have to address it.

If only the Committee on Petitions. That group of back benchers will get to decide if it's worthy of further consideration.

[Uncle Joe]

3. Precisely they were given until the 1st of Jan 2016 to get a 100,000 signatures

and got 156,000 over the weekend.

[Uncle Joe]

4. Portugal and the Netherlands are both ahead of the U.S. on this issue.

I suspect more will turn in 2106 after the United Nations meeting per the article.

http://hightimes.com/read/uk-legalization-petition-secures-enough-signatures-earn-debate-parliament

According to government rules, petitions that collect the required signatures “are almost always debated,” unless the issue has received a previous debate or is schedule for one in the future. Because of this, there is a possibility that a recent debate in the House of Lords regarding a Psychoactive Substances Bill could constitute a Parliamentary pass on the petition because the issue was technically already discussed. Yet, with overwhelming support pointing towards a repeal of the cannabis ban, the debate will almost be necessary in order to prevent some sort of unwanted retaliation.

Ultimately, however, even if Parliament does consider making changes to its overall policies regarding the cannabis plant, nothing is expected to happen until after the United Nations gathers in 2016 to discuss modifications to the international drug laws.