In response to your questions:
1) I’m aware that cannabis is used by people of many communities. I am a supporter of decriminalisation and believe that prosecution is a waste of police resources. I don’t have a view on whether BME users are unfairly or disproportionately penalised compared to other groups; I consider that most prosecutions for cannabis offences can be considered “unfair” regardless of ethnic origin.
2) I don’t know, but am sympathetic on the medical cannabis issue.
3) I’m broadly supportive, but would want to look at evaluations of the Canadian and other international approaches before supporting any particular recommendation.
4) I believe it can be beneficial, but as with any substance, excessive use can have health side effects.
5) I’d be in favour of GP prescription but would note that this decision should probably be taken by health practitioners rather than PCCs
6) Some categories of cannabis offences, such as large scale cultivation, smuggling, and dealing in large quantities should best remain as criminal offences. Lesser offences such as possession or cultivation for personal use should not.
7) I don’t have a view on this.
8) It is an accepted principle that PCCs should not interfere in operational police decisions. However, I am generally in favour of the position that cannabis use should be regarded as a public health priority, rather than a police priority, and I understand many forces now follow the Durham force’s example of not treating this as a major police objective.
9) I would be in support of a non-enforcement policy on this, providing that any concerns from neighbours and any issues relating to minors were suitably addressed.
10) I would be in support of a tolerant, liberal and progressive approach to drugs policing which responded appropriately to public concerns such as the risks of drug driving and the risk of mental health issues, but which does not seek to persecute or criminalise people who choose to use cannabis at home. Examples from Europe, the US, and Canada are showing this approach is perfectly feasible and can reduce crime and harm.
I hope this response is helpful
Best wishes
Peter Maughan
Lib Dem candidate for Northumbria PCC
Thanks for getting in touch.
In response to your questions:
1) I’m aware that cannabis is used by people of many communities. I am a supporter of decriminalisation and believe that prosecution is a waste of police resources. I don’t have a view on whether BME users are unfairly or disproportionately penalised compared to other groups; I consider that most prosecutions for cannabis offences can be considered “unfair” regardless of ethnic origin.
2) I don’t know, but am sympathetic on the medical cannabis issue.
3) I’m broadly supportive, but would want to look at evaluations of the Canadian and other international approaches before supporting any particular recommendation.
4) I believe it can be beneficial, but as with any substance, excessive use can have health side effects.
5) I’d be in favour of GP prescription but would note that this decision should probably be taken by health practitioners rather than PCCs
6) Some categories of cannabis offences, such as large scale cultivation, smuggling, and dealing in large quantities should best remain as criminal offences. Lesser offences such as possession or cultivation for personal use should not.
7) I don’t have a view on this.
8) It is an accepted principle that PCCs should not interfere in operational police decisions. However, I am generally in favour of the position that cannabis use should be regarded as a public health priority, rather than a police priority, and I understand many forces now follow the Durham force’s example of not treating this as a major police objective.
9) I would be in support of a non-enforcement policy on this, providing that any concerns from neighbours and any issues relating to minors were suitably addressed.
10) I would be in support of a tolerant, liberal and progressive approach to drugs policing which responded appropriately to public concerns such as the risks of drug driving and the risk of mental health issues, but which does not seek to persecute or criminalise people who choose to use cannabis at home. Examples from Europe, the US, and Canada are showing this approach is perfectly feasible and can reduce crime and harm.
I hope this response is helpful
Best wishes
Peter Maughan
Lib Dem candidate for Northumbria PCC