Is this a Cannabis Election in the UK?

As the UK heads into election game time, the unusually hot topic of cannabis legalization took center stage yesterday as Theresa May firmly held the party line regarding the ill-informed dangers of ‘skunk’

Skunk has not been and is not a particular strain of cannabis, skunk is merely the street term for ‘strong weed’. The conclusion that strong weed (high THC) can cause either mental health problems or lead to harder drugs is a myth never proven by independent studies. Yes, there have been many studies over the years showing detrimental effects of cannabis, though funded by tobacco and alcohol conglomerates the results can be perceived as somewhat egregious.

Back to the matter at hand, the elections are looming and both the Tories and LibDems weighed in on the cannabis topic.
CONSERVATIVES: Theresa May refuses to consider relaxing laws on cannabis use, despite a desperate plea from an anxiety sufferer. The question came up during a live Facebook Q&A hosted by ITV News.

“There have obviously been some studies into the use of cannabis or derivatives for medical use,” she said. “The reason I don’t believe in making cannabis use legal is because of the impact I see it having on too many people in terms of the drug use. “What we’ve seen is stronger forms now being used – I think it can have a real impact on people in terms of their mental health.

LIBDEMS “We will restrict the market to over-18s. We will make cannabis safer by limiting THC content and requiring all products to contain CBD, which has been bred out of ‘skunk’ and counteracts the harmful effects of THC. And we will invest tax revenues of up to £1bn in education and treatment.”

The Lib Dems announced on Friday that their manifesto would include a pledge to legalise cannabis and create a regulated market in the drug – a policy similar to those implemented in some US states.

One million hours of police time are being wasted each year on policing the ban on smoking cannabis, the Liberal Democrats say.

Research by the party drawn from official figures shows a total of 87,247 police caseloads relating to the drug were opened in 2015, with the average cost to the taxpayer per case estimated at £2,256.

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