Regulatory / diverse economic framework for the production, supply and consumption of cannabis in the UK.
In October 2019 at the Green Party (of England and Wales) Autumn conference a new drug policy was voted through unanimously. It was the culmination of over a year’s work carried out voluntarily by the Drug Policy Working Group, a small committed group of party members and external experts.
The policy is split into two main sections. The “short-term” policy and the “long-term policy” outlining how to regulate alcohol and other drugs.
My role in the development of the policy was focussed on how to regulate cannabis.
Essentially, it is a bottom up approach. Empowering those individuals and groups already fully immersed in cannabis culture and quite often already experts in their field. From the people making medicine for cancer sufferers in palliative care to the hemp farmer growing materials for social housing.
As a human geographer I am drawn to mapping how a framework for cannabis regulation might look. I am aware of many activists who do not believe in paying the government a tax for the privilege of growing a weed. I understand that point of view but I am also a realist and would like to start growing my own medicine ASAP and accept that the government will want its pound of flesh. If that means paying a tax through the use of a license then I am willing to do that. Especially if a) that money is ring fenced for domestic violence and rehab services and b) it is to the detriment of Corporate Canna™.
This is just a seed and I hope many will plant it and nurture it as it germinates.
