Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about drug use and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

There is scientific and medical evidence showing that drugs are harmful to health and society.  It is my belief, therefore, that a legalisation programme would not address the harm to individuals and communities. 

The Government currently has no plans to review the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However, it is very important to bear in mind that Ministers keep drug controls under constant review and consider new evidence of misuse and harms alongside independent experts at the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. Legislation is only part of the wider approach to preventing drug misuse, which includes: focusing on education in schools; promoting treatment and recovery; and preventing the supply of illicit drugs. I welcome and support this approach fully.

Cannabis for example can unquestionably cause harm to individuals and society. Legalisation of cannabis would not eliminate the crime committed by the illicit trade, nor would it address the harms associated with drug dependence and the misery that this can cause to families. Despite the potential opportunity offered by legalisation to raise revenue through taxation, there would be costs in relation to administrative, compliance and law enforcement activities, as well as the wider costs of drug prevention and health services.

Many have called for the responsibility for drugs policy to be moved from the Home Office to the Department of Health and Social Care, but there are no plans to do this as both departments have an important role to play in tackling the current issues around drug misuse.

I support the Government's balanced approach which brings together policing, health, community and global partners to tackle the illicit drug trade, protect the most vulnerable and help those with a drug dependency to recover and turn their lives around.

As you may be aware, Dame Carole Black was appointed to lead an independent review into the use and supply of illicit drugs, seeking views on how to reduce harm to individuals and society. This review is an essential step towards tackling drug addiction, and I am committed to ensuring that we build upon her work. By adopting a more holistic, long-term approach, victims of the illegal drug industry will be able to access the right support services. 

The second phase of this major independent review, focuses on the provision of treatment and recovery services for drug users, as well as considering how to prevent the misuse of drugs among adults and young people. 

The Government’s approach on drugs remains clear and it is one which I support. Drug use must be prevented in our communities, help should be provided to dependent individuals, while law enforcement must protect society by stopping the supply and tackling the organised crime that is associated with the drugs trade. 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Yours,

EDWARD LEIGH MP