Tim Farron is setting himself as the first British leader to bank on the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. The leader of liberal democrats also stated that the "war on drugs is over."
It seems like Britain is on its way to following the progressive steps of United States when it comes to relaxed laws on recreational cannabis use. Considered as one of the boldest political moves by the Liberal Democrats, Farron has already announced that he will call and support the legal regulation of recreational marijuana use.
According to The Guardian, Farron will endorse a motion during spring conference that aims to extend its support for the legalization of the use of medical and recreational marijuana. Norman Lamb, former health minister, is set to table the motion after the issue has been debated. Members of an expert panel will be appointed by Lib Dems studied and examined how a legal market of its legal use would work in the United Kingdom.
The panel has found out that if cannabis were to be legalized, it would save the exchequer more than £1 billion annually. The legalization could potentially make between £400 million to £900 million in tax revenues. If its use will be legalized, money spent on the justice system will be saved.
"The Liberal Democrats will be releasing a report in due course that lays out the case for a legalized market for sales of cannabis. I personally believe the war on drugs is over. We must move from making this a legal issue to one of health," said Farron, as reported by The Guardian.
Farron added that the prime minister agreed on his call for a drug reform and wishes he would support his plea.
According to a post by Vox, legalizing marijuana in the United Kingdom could do wonders for its government. If removed from the black market and taxed, it could add billions to the Treasury's receipts.
