Conservative PCC Urges Police to Address Cannabis Laws as Cannabis Addiction Rates Soar
Alison Hernandez, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Devon and Cornwall, has called for greater enforcement of cannabis laws amid rising concerns over addiction rates. Ms. Hernandez argues that too much emphasis is placed on deaths caused by class A drugs like heroin, while the enforcement of laws surrounding cannabis, classified as a class B drug in the UK, receives inadequate attention.
Speaking at a conference in Westminster, Ms. Hernandez highlighted the alarming number of individuals seeking treatment for cannabis addiction in comparison to other drugs. She expressed her concern that this issue is often ignored in policing threat assessments, which predominantly focus on the heroin epidemic. Ms. Hernandez aims to influence the police’s perspective on the matter, urging them to acknowledge the extent of the cannabis problem.
Furthermore, Ms. Hernandez emphasized the need to remind communities that cannabis is still illegal, despite ongoing discussions on its potential legalization. She believes that there has been excessive debate about the possibility of legalizing cannabis, leading to a misconception that it is already legal. Drawing from California’s experience following legalization, she suggests a comprehensive review of the drug’s classification, considering new evidence and societal impacts.
Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst, national lead for regional organized crime units, chimed in, underlining the profitability of cannabis production for criminal organizations and the increased potency of the drug. He asserted that cannabis use is linked to a variety of mental health challenges and significant harm. Chief Constable Rodenhurst further argued that crime gangs involved in cannabis production are responsible for a range of criminal activities, including class A drug smuggling, modern slavery, violence, and exploitation.
In July, a major crackdown on cannabis farms took place across England and Wales, resulting in the seizure of over 1,000 illegal growing sites and the arrest of more than 1,000 individuals. This demonstrates how the cannabis threat extends to organized crime networks involved in other illicit activities.
The debate surrounding cannabis legalization continues to stir controversy, with proponents touting its potential benefits and critics highlighting the associated risks and societal harm. As the Conservative PCC for Devon and Cornwall, Ms. Hernandez’s plea for increased police focus on cannabis enforcement injects a fresh perspective into the ongoing conversation. With the aim to address escalating addiction rates and the criminal activities tied to cannabis production, it remains to be seen how her viewpoint will impact the wider discourse and potential policy changes.
In summary, the Conservative PCC for Devon and Cornwall, Alison Hernandez, has called on the police to prioritize the enforcement of cannabis laws due to concerning addiction rates. She believes that there is an imbalance in the focus on deaths caused by class A drugs compared to cannabis, which requires urgent attention. Ms. Hernandez proposes a comprehensive review of cannabis classification based on evidence from California, where it has been legalized. Meanwhile, Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst highlights the monetary incentives for criminal organizations involved in cannabis production and the drug’s increased potency, which contributes to mental health challenges. The recent crackdown on cannabis farms across England and Wales demonstrates the extent of the problem and its connection to wider criminal activities. The debate on cannabis legalization continues, and Ms. Hernandez’s stance brings a fresh perspective to the contentious topic.
