UK Foundation Transform Prepares Campaign for Cannabis Legalization

The independent UK foundation Transform, specializing in drug policy, is raising funds to launch a national campaign aimed at accelerating cannabis reform in the United Kingdom.

The charitable organization hopes to raise £50,000 (€60,000) to support its action for “responsible cannabis regulation” in the United Kingdom.

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UK foundation Has Public Support for Cannabis Legalization

Polls show that more than half of the British population is now in favor of the UK foundation initiative for cannabis legalization, with an estimated 2.5 million people using it annually.

In Europe, countries are increasingly moving towards more liberal cannabis laws, with Malta becoming the first EU country to legalize cannabis in 2021.

In April, German legislators passed the CanG law, which removed cannabis from the list of narcotics, making the possession of up to 25 grams legal and allowing the cultivation of four plants at home.

Over the past twelve months, Switzerland and the Netherlands have also launched pilot projects to test regulated cannabis sales through commercial supply chains, with legal cannabis sales expected to reach €104 million this year.

Lack of Drug Policy Debate in UK Elections

Despite these trends, during the recent UK electoral campaign, the issue of drug policy was notably absent from the manifestos of the major political parties.

Transform asserts that cannabis prohibition not only fuels crime and ensures that all profits are untaxed and go into the pockets of organized criminal groups but also maximizes the health risks associated with its use.

“A legalized cannabis market in the UK would responsibly regulate the production and sale of cannabis,” the organization explains in launching its fundraising campaign on its website.

“Quality controls, testing, and labeling would allow people to know what they are buying, while advertising bans and age restrictions in stores would keep cannabis out of sight and reach of minors.”

“Revenues, which now go to the UK government in the form of taxes, would promote health, education, and risk reduction campaigns, providing people with information about responsible use and the risks associated with cannabis. This safer regulated market would protect communities from the dangers of the illegal market.”

Funding for the Campaign

The £50,000 in funding will enable the UK association Transform to conduct a major campaign to capitalize on changing public opinion and bring the issue before policymakers.

This includes garnering support from all parties in the UK Parliament and developing a private member’s bill that will serve as a rallying point for reform in Westminster.

The UK organization also indicates that it will work with experts and affected communities to develop a roadmap on how to implement adult-use regulation in the UK, as well as an analysis of the economic opportunities of a regulated market.

Transform adds, “Other governments have seen the opportunity that cannabis legalization and regulation offer to their country and citizens—it’s now time for the UK to catch up.”

Transform is raising funds on a dedicated website.

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(Featured image by Elena Mozhvilo via Unsplash)

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