WORK to alter “archaic” legislation that categorises some cannabis products at the same level as heroin has been welcomed by campaigners, after the Health Minister confirmed that law drafting instructions had been issued to enable a reclassification.
Deputy Tom Binet said the Misuse of Drugs Advisory Council had recommended that “cannabinol” and “cannabinol derivatives” be recategorised as Class B within the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978.
Currently, cannabinol products like cannabis oil, which can be used to treat conditions such as chronic pain and insomnia, are classified as Class A – the same level as heroin.
The Health Minister said: “Law Drafting Instructions to amend legislation to enable the reclassification of cannabinol and cannabinol derivatives were issued on the 12 May.”
He continued: “Law drafting is underway and is currently envisaged that the draft amendment order will be finalised later this summer.
“Conversations with stakeholders regarding the operational actions required by the reclassification are also underway and progressing well.”
Deputy Binet provided the update in response to a written question from Deputy Inna Gardiner.
Deputy Gardiner had previously sought to address the “archaic distinction” with an amendment last year as part of a rejected proposition by Deputy Tom Coles to decriminalise the personal possession and recreational use of cannabis for adults.
At the time, Deputy Gardiner argued that the current legislation “overcomplicates the approach to cannabis in the Island”.
Reacting to Deputy Binet’s comments, she said: “I would expect it earlier but I’m pleased if the law drafting is already underway and we see something by the end of the summer.
“I don’t want to see another delay but I welcome that it’s on the way.”
End Cannabis Prohibition Jersey co-ordinator Simon Harrison said he was “absolutely delighted” that the reclassification was due to go ahead.
Mr Harrison noted that the change would bring the Island into line with the UK, which has had “consistency across their classification of cannabis for over 20 years”.
He also argued that there was “nothing intrinsically complicated” about the change that could warrant law drafting delays.
“The basis of this was always very simple,” he added.
In November, States Members will hold another debate on whether Jersey should change the law in relation to non-medicinal cannabis – and what those changes should be.
