Science & Medical

Marijuana in Britain: what are the right choices to make

The British government will review the current regulations on the use of medical marijuana. The British Government decided to review the rules after two children with epilepsy were denied access to cannabis-based medication. Supporters of marijuana legalization argue that it is a light drug and is no more harmful than ordinary cigarettes or alcohol that are sold everywhere.

The British Government decided to review the rules after two children with epilepsy, Alfie Dingley and Billy Caldwell, were denied access to cannabis-based medication. This has opened up a larger conversation on the use of marijuana in Britain.

Real-life cases

According to Sajid Javid, British MP, Alfie experiences up to 150 episodes of epilepsy per month, got a license to receive marijuana-based medications. The boy’s parents have been campaigning for months to facilitate access to such medications.

In April, they visited the Netherlands, where Alfie’s condition has improved significantly since he started consuming hemp oil. Billy Caldwell’s family received a license after doctors said that they urgently needed appropriate medication for vital indications.

Consequently, Javid specified that the special commission will provide expertise, within which specialists will assess the therapeutic effect of medical marijuana.

However, these changes are not the first step towards the legalization of recreational marijuana.

The British government promised to review the current regulations on medical marijuana use. (Source)

What are the rules now?

Under current British law, marijuana is a class B drug and possession is illegal. If someone is caught with marijuana, they will get either a warning or a fine of up to $100. Furthermore, if police catch someone repeatedly or under other aggravating circumstances, the offender may go to jail for up to five years.

The severity of the measure depends on the amount of marijuana and the previous convictions of the offender. Penalty for selling marijuana is up to 14 years or a fine if the amount exceeds the legal limit.

Marijuana is very popular in Britain. However, according to 2016 data, only 292 were in prison due to marijuana-related offenses. Supporters of marijuana legalization argue that it is a light drug and is no more harmful than ordinary cigarettes or alcohol sold everywhere.

What about other countries?

In comparison, Georgia decriminalizes the use of marijuana. This decision is historic in the fight for the reform of Georgia’s repressive drug policies. The Court found the provision of the Criminal Code of Georgia criminalizing the use of marijuana to be unconstitutional.

The continued use of marijuana for “recreational purposes” can have negative consequences. (Source)

How does the use of marijuana affect the body?

Marijuana contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a substance that causes relaxation. It may also contain CBD (cannabidiol). Some products containing CBD reduce the number of seizures in epilepsy. Furthermore, marijuana can also act as an analgesic. However, the continued use of marijuana for “recreational purposes” can have negative consequences, many scientists and doctors warn.

In particular, the British Public Health Service (NHS) warns that there is an increased risk of developing mental disorders such as schizophrenia. The risk is even greater when using marijuana during adolescence. Regular smoking of marijuana has a negative effect on concentration and memory.

According to the NHS, one in ten people are dependent on marijuana. Getting rid of this dependence has the potential to cause mood swings, anxiety and insomnia.

(Featured Image by terimakasih0)

First published in bbc, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Hemp.im assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Hemp.im is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.

Andrew Ross

Andrew Ross is a features writer whose stories are centered on emerging economies and fast-growing companies. His articles often look at trade policies and practices, geopolitics, mining and commodities, as well as the exciting world of technology. He also covers industries that have piqued the interest of the stock market, such as cryptocurrency and cannabis. He is a certified gadget enthusiast.

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