Many thanks for getting in touch and I do apologise for being very slow in answering your email, for no other reason than my need to delve into the subject more deeply. You raise what is a very complex set of questions, but questions that are very pertinent. If I may be brief, my personal view is that we are at the point whereby all drug laws need a comprehensive review, certainly to consider whether it is now appropriate to bring about a regulated legal cannabis market for private consumption and greater recognition and employment of cannabis for its proven medical benefits. I also believe that the “war on drugs” as is being conducted presently is one of the areas most ripe for reform in policing, to ensure that we are using policing (and other public service) resources most cost-effectively. I have had some comprehensive briefings from acknowledged experts in this area, including from the “Labour Campaign for Drug Reform,” and of course I have studied the material you provided me. If I am elected, although I will not be in any position to decide or vote on changes to the law, I will certainly be in a position to lobby government along the lines I have suggested.
I hope this helps you to understand my views. Best wishes.
Gareth Derrick