London Mayor Sadiq Khan is conducting research to analyze the possibility to legalize cannabis in UK.

Khan’s four-day journey to the United States includes an investigation of the California’s 2016 decision to legalize cannabis. Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, tweeted, “As part of my time in LA, I’ll be meeting with experts and seeing first-hand the approach they have taken to cannabis here.”  

Each day, the worldwide movement for cannabis legalization gains momentum. This week, we addressed more legalization initiatives in Germany and Thailand. Now Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, tweets “more must be done to tackle the huge damage caused by the illegal drugs trade–and that includes exploring the effectiveness of our drug laws.” 

During his visit to California, Sadiq Khan expressed an openness to the possibility of legalizing cannabis. During his current tour to the United States, London Mayor Sadiq Khan is said to have visited a cannabis dispensary, growing facility, and had extensive meetings with LAPD officials (Los Angeles Police Department) and members of the government. Khan says, “I am here today in LA, to see first-hand the approach they have taken to cannabis.”

In addition, Khan announces the formation of the London Drugs Commission. This commission, composed of an expert panel, will assess the efficacy of the United Kingdom’s non-class A drug policy. The London Drugs Commission will also investigate the idea of cannabis legalization, including possible advantages and risks.

The London Drugs Commission will evaluate the most effective drug prevention strategies, criminal justice regulations, and health advantages of various approaches. University College London has been tasked with researching and analyzing the effects of any future policy change.