Sadiq Khan launches commission to examine cannabis legality

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Sadiq Khan has launched a commission to examine the legalisation of cannabis.Set to be chaired by Lord Charlie Falconer QC, the London drugs commission will assess the effectiveness of the UK's drug laws.Lord Charlie Falconer QC is a former lord chancellor and justice secretary. The London drugs commission was included in Khan's manifesto pledges last year.

In his announcement, Khan said that he believed the commission would help 'tackle drug-related crime, protect Londoners' health and reduce the huge damage that illegal drugs cause to our communities'.

He added: "The illegal drugs trade causes huge damage to our society and we need to do more to tackle this epidemic and further the debate around our drugs laws.

"That's why I am here today in LA, to see first-hand the approach they have taken to cannabis."

Lord Charlie Falconer QC said: "I'm honoured to have been appointed chair of the London drugs commission. We need rigorously to identify what is the best approach to reduce harm to our communities.

"A national debate is long overdue. We aim to make recommendations to bring about effective and lasting change."

The mayor of London is currently visiting the United States to see how the US can invest in London. He will also see the impact of legalising cannabis in Los Angeles. California legalised the recreational use of the drug in 2016.California's legalisation saw a decrease of cannabis-related arrests, which went from a reported 13,810 in 2016 to 6065 in 2017.

Speaking about cannabis, Khan said: "We need to have an honest, open conversation about the evidence in relation to the history of cannabis and our laws in the UK and our experience of the health consequences in relation to crime and the community."The best way to do that will be with the drugs commission we've now set up. "You can hear from the experts, that's one thing, but seeing it for yourself, hearing from those who cultivate and grow this plant has been fascinating."