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2025.04.22
3.1 Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding proposals for potential approaches to the decriminalisation, legalisation and regulation of cannabis (OQ.102/2025):
Will the Minister advise what progress has been made since the Assembly's adoption of P.31/2024, as amended, which included a request that the Council of Ministers bring forward proposals for potential approaches to the decriminalisation, legalisation and regulation of cannabis?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet of St. Saviour (The Minister for Health and Social Services):
I am able to inform the Deputy and Members that policy work is in progress to present proposals to the Assembly focusing on 2 principal areas. Firstly, adjusting cannabis possession laws to reduce the criminalisation of small-scale personal use and exploring models for the regulated supply of non- medical cannabis. This rather complex policy area involves significant considerations related to health, community safety, the economy and various international obligations. In order to ensure properly informed decision-making, it is crucial for us to understand the benefits, the risks and mitigations for each option. To assist that process, I can also confirm that public consultation and engagement on these issues and options is planned to take place next month.
- Deputy T.A. Coles :
Does the Minister believe that he has sufficient resources to bring these proposals to the Assembly within the allotted timeframe?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet :
Sadly, I am unable to guarantee that. I am hopeful, but I have to confess that we are not as well- resourced as I would like us to be.
- Deputy A.F. Curtis of St. Clement :
Part (b) that was approved included an amendment that included "total acceptable cultivation allowance". I wonder if the Minister could update whether the workstream he has mentioned so far includes that of the growing of recreational cannabis and what progress has been made on that part of the workstream?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet :
To be honest, I only got a general update as to the state of affairs at the moment and it would be difficult for me to look at specifics. I can make that specific inquiry and let the Deputy know.
- Deputy T.A. Coles :
What areas of policy is the Minister most impressed with and is he keen to have the Assembly support? Deputy T.J.A. Binet :
I think my support would go for a generalised and sensible approach to the entire situation. It is a complicated one and it affects our relationship with the U.K. (United Kingdom), so it has to be very carefully handled. As far as I am concerned, I will just be looking at the overall effect. I do not have any specific area that I feel strongly about.