The UK government has rejected calls to legalize medical marijuana consumption in the country. This, despite mounting evidence that highlights the benefits of medical marijuana.
Marijuana is considered as a class B drug in the UK and possession carries a maximum of 5 years prison sentence.
UK will NOT legalize cannabis, government declares
The Government has ‘no intention' of making cannabis legal in the UK, officials have announced in a new blitz on drugs.
Despite a growing body of evidence showing the world's favourite recreational drug to be safe, possession will remain punishable with jail.
Experts have slammed the Home Office's controversial decision, describing it as a ‘missed opportunity' to legalise the herb.
But ministers pointed to various studies that have shown cannabis to be detrimental to human health, with significant links to schizophrenia.
Such worrying associations have existed for decades, and were responsible the decision to reclassify the drug to a Class B nine years ago.
In recent years, Spain, South Africa, Uruguay and several states in the US have made cannabis legal for recreational use.
Pressure has been increasing on the UK to follow suit and update its drug policy, with many citing weed's medicinal properties.
According to Ian Hamilton, a NYC-based drug researcher, the UK's stance on marijuana use suggests that the country is lagging behind in terms of “adopting progressive policies towards drug use.” Hamilton added that UK's cannabis ban is a missed opportunity to provide access to less harmful drugs to the public.
Image courtesy of: DonGoofy
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