JERSEY’S government could become the first in the British Isles to grow and sell its own non-medical cannabis under radical proposals lodged by the Health Minister.
Deputy Tom Binet is asking politicians to back a plan that would see the government take responsibility for cultivating, regulating and selling cannabis to registered Islanders as part of a trial to improve public health, reduce harm and undercut illegal markets.
The proposals are set out in an almost 100-page proposition which asks the States Assembly to decide whether Jersey should fundamentally change how it treats personal cannabis use.
Deputy Binet’s proposition argues that “criminalisation has not achieved its objectives” and has resulted in “unintended consequences” including stigma, barriers to support and lasting harm from criminal records.
Under the most far-reaching option — known as Option C — the government would run a time-limited trial in which cannabis is legally produced and sold under strict control.
Only registered adult residents would be allowed to take part, and any onward supply would remain a criminal offence.
The aim is to “understand and evidence whether safe and responsible regulation delivers public health benefits”, according to the proposition.
The trial would allow the Island to gather evidence on whether tightly regulated, non-profit sales of recreational cannabis can deliver better outcomes than the current system.
Under the trial scheme, unique identifier cards would be issued to participants to allow them to enter and buy cannabis from regulated cannabis supply outlets.
These cards would allow for purchasing patterns to be tracked, with breaches of trial rules resulting in unique identifier cards being suspended or revoked.
Participants would have to give informed consent, agree to follow study protocols, and complete questionnaires over the duration of the trial.
Users could be regularly screened for problematic or dependent cannabis use, or early signs of mental or physical health problems, and then referred to appropriate support.
Deputy Binet’s proposition stresses that the intention is not commercialisation, with private companies barred from selling cannabis for profit. Instead, the model would mirror other government-controlled markets designed to prioritise safety over revenue.
The proposition states that the trial would be designed to test “non-profit markets” which “prioritise safety and social responsibility over making profits”.
However, existing Jersey-based cannabis cultivators could be commissioned under strict licences to produce cannabis to supply the trial.
Alongside the proposed sales trial, States Members are also being asked to consider two additional reforms.
Under Option A, cannabis would remain illegal, but prosecution would cease for people found in possession of, or cultivating, small amounts deemed to be for personal use, with indicative thresholds set in guidance.
Personal cannabis use would instead be treated as a public-health issue, supported by harm-reduction measures and education, while offences involving larger quantities or supply would continue to be prosecuted.
Option B goes further by changing the law itself, so that possession or cultivation below a specific legal limit – such as up to 15 grams or two mature plants – would no longer be a criminal offence at all, provided the cannabis is for personal use and not supplied to others.
Members may support one, several or all three options – meaning the final direction of travel could combine decriminalisation with a government-run supply system.
Deputy Binet’s proposition makes clear that commercial dealing, large-scale cultivation and supply outside the trial would remain serious criminal offences.
It also notes that any new approach to cannabis would be accompanied by “a significant number of harm reduction methods and prevention strategies”, and a continued focus on protecting children and young people.
Cannabis would not be legal for under-18s, advertising would be prohibited, and products would be subject to controls on strength and form. Smoking restrictions could also mirror or exceed those already applied to tobacco.
Officials also acknowledge potential risks – including mental-health harms and road safety – and say any trial would be accompanied by enhanced monitoring, public education and enforcement against drug-driving.
One suggestion includes cannabis supply outlets only being permitted near bus routes.
Subject to development of detailed proposals, it is anticipated that the trial would run over an agreed number of years. Similar trials in other jurisdictions have been run for five years.
The proposition notes that developing detailed proposals for a government-controlled cannabis production and sales trial under Option C could take around two years.
It is due to be debated in February.
