Sadiq Khan has been slapped down by a government minister as splits emerged over Labour’s approach to drugs policy.
The London mayor has called for the decriminalisation of cannabis, arguing that the current approach is not working.
But housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the government has “no intention” of reclassifying the drug.
Khan was responding to a report by the London Drugs Commission, which he set up in 2022 and was chaired by former Labour lord chancellor Charlie Falconer.
It said the current laws on cannabis were “disproportionate to the harms it can pose” following a study of how the drug is policed around the world.
The mayor said: “I’ve long been clear that we need fresh thinking on how to reduce the substantial harms associated with drug-related crime in our communities.
“The London Drugs Commission report makes a compelling, evidenced-based case for the decriminalisation of possession of small quantities of natural cannabis which the government should consider.
“It says that the current sentencing for those caught in possession of natural cannabis cannot be justified given its relative harm and people’s experience of the justice system.
“We must recognise that better education, improved healthcare and more effective, equitable policing of cannabis use are long overdue.”
But on Times Radio this morning, Pennycook said: “What I would say is the mayor is obviously entitled to his view on the matter, but the government position on cannabis classification remains unchanged.
“We have no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a Class B substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act. And where our focus is continuing to work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use, ensure more people receive timely treatment and support and make our communities and streets safer.”
