Transform prepares to launch UK cannabis legalisation campaign

The independent drug policy foundation, Transform, is fundraising to launch a national campaign to accelerate cannabis reform in the UK.

The charity is hoping to raise £50,000 to support its work in bringing “responsible cannabis regulation” to the UK.

Polls show that more than half of the UK population now supports cannabis legalisation, with an estimated 2.5 million people consuming it every year. 

Across Europe, countries are increasingly moving towards more liberal cannabis laws, after Malta became the first EU country to legalise cannabis in 2021.

In April, German lawmakers passed the CanG Act, which saw cannabis removed from the list of narcotics, making it legal to possess up to 25g and grow four plants at home. 

In the last 12 months, Switzerland and the Netherlands have also introduced pilot projects to trial the regulated sales of cannabis through commercial supply chains, with legal cannabis sales projected to reach €104 million this year. 

Despite this, during the recent election campaign, the issue of drug policy was notably absent from the manifestos of the main political parties. 

Transform argues that not only is cannabis prohibition fuelling crime and ensuring that all profits go untaxed and into the pockets of organised crime groups, but it is also maximising the health risks associated with use.

“A legalised UK cannabis market would responsibly regulate the production and sale of cannabis, the organisation says, launching the fundraising campaign on its website.

“Quality controls, testing and labelling would allow people to know what they’re buying, while a ban on advertising, and age restrictions in shops would keep cannabis out of sight and reach of those who are underage.

“The revenue, now coming to the UK Government as tax, would support the promotion of health, education and harm reduction campaigns that give people the information on responsible use and the risks associated with cannabis. This safer regulated market would protect communities from the dangers of the illegal one.”

The £50,000 in funding will allow it to run a major campaign to take advantage of shifting public opinion and take the issue to policymakers.

This will include building cross-party support in Parliament and developing a Private Members Bill to serve as a rallying point for reform in Westminster.

The organisation says it will also work with experts and impacted communities, to produce a roadmap for how to deliver adult-use regulation in the UK, alongside analysis of the economic opportunities of a regulated market.

It adds: “Other governments have seen the opportunity that legalising and regulating cannabis offers to their country and citizens – it’s now time for the UK to catch up.”

Donate to support Transform’s work here