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MHK calls for citizen's jury to look into legalising recreational cannabis

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Tynwald to consider motion at May sitting

An MHK believes making it legal to buy and use cannabis recreationally on the Isle of Man would reduce the harm caused by the drug.

Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson will ask Tynwald to set up a citizen's jury to look into timelines and policies for a future regulated environment to allow for the sale of cannabis for recreational use at its May sitting.

It follows a document published by the Department of Home Affairs in October 2024, which looked at ways to tackle the harms caused by drugs on the Isle of Man.

The report found a regulated environment, similar to the sale of alcohol and tobacco products, can reduce harm by ensuring products are safe and reducing criminal supply.

Speaking after the report was published, Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson said attitudes have changed towards use of the drug:

Currently, some patients qualify for medicinal cannabis, but the drug remains a classified substance illegal to possess for other purposes.

Dr Allinson told Manx Radio how he believes changing the law would reduce harm:

The Ramsey MHK also explains how the citizen's jury would work:

If approved in Tynwald, the citizen's jury would be established by December 2026.

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