A POLITICIAN is calling for an update to the Island’s “archaic” drugs laws, which categorises cannabis oil – often used for medical reasons – at the same level as heroin.
Currently under Jersey’s Misuse of Drugs Law, dried cannabis flower and resin are listed as class B controlled substances.
However, cannabis extracts containing cannabinols, which are used to treat conditions such as chronic pain and insomnia, are classified as class A drugs unless prescribed by a doctor – the same category as heroin and crack cocaine.
Deputy Inna Gardiner is seeking to remove what she calls the “archaic distinction” in Jersey law between cannabinol and the plant form.
If the move is successful, it would align Jersey’s laws with those of the UK, where all cannabis products are classified as class B.
In a report accompanying her proposal, which has been lodged as an amendment to a proposition from Deputy Tom Coles calling for the decriminalisation of personal possession and recreational use of cannabis for adults, she said: “As we start to move away from imposing criminal records on those found in possession of personal amounts of cannabis and resin, the difference between the penalties for these drugs and possession of cannabinols becomes more apparent.”
Earlier this year, Centeniers were given the power to issue parish hall fines for the possession of small amounts of class B and C drugs.
Deputy Gardiner has argued that if an “acceptable” personal possession limit for cannabinol products could be set, it would allow offenders to be dealt with at the parish level rather than resulting in criminal charges.
“There can be no reasonable justification for treating cannabinol and cannabinol derivatives in the same manner as heroin or crack cocaine, as is currently the case,” she said.
