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A politician is calling for cannabis to be decriminalised for personal use in a move he argues would “protect islanders” and align Government policy with its own strategy of "harm reduction”.
The changes put forward in a new proposition from Deputy Tom Coles would mean decriminalising the personal possession and recreational use of cannabis for adults.
Decriminalisation means that the drug would still be prohibited by law, but an individual could not be prosecuted or criminalised for carrying a certain amount.
Pictured: The proposition will be debated in the States Assembly at the end of June.
Deputy Coles said: "The proposition seeks to protect islanders whilst working in their best interests, seeking to address the limitation of those who are under the influence of cannabis but no longer criminalising those people that choose to use it."
In the report accompanying his proposition, he explained: "In July 2023, the Government launched its 'Substance Use Strategy' with the change of direction in the way we view and treat those who use substances, including cannabis.
"This strategy moves to a 'harm reduction' model which accepts that people will use substances and that, in most cases, substance use is a symptom of a problem rather than the whole problem itself.
"However, by continuing to fine, caution or arrest people with a personal amount of cannabis we are at odds with this Strategy."
Pictured: A recent audit revealed a "significant" difference in medicinal cannabis prescribing levels between Jersey and England – with 6% of the island's working population holding a prescription, compared to just 0.05% in England.
While low-level possession was recently downgraded to be dealt with as a parish hall offence, it can still result in fines, cautions or arrests – and the Deputy is calling for rules to be further relaxed to address what he sees as a "two-tiered system".
Deputy Coles said: "It seems, in effect, that there is a two-tiered system in relation to cannabis in Jersey given that medicinal cannabis can now be legally prescribed."
A recent audit revealed a "significant" difference in medicinal cannabis prescribing levels between Jersey and England – with 6% of the island's working population holding a prescription, compared to just 0.05% in England.
Deputy Coles said that updating drug policies "is better for our society" as views about the psychoactive plant evolve across the world.
He explained: "In recent times throughout the world the views of, and approach to, cannabis have been changing with Canada and Uruguay fully legalising it and Germany, South Africa, Thailand and as many as 26 American States legalising recreational use either in private or public."
Pictured: Currently, islanders can only legally use cannabis if it is obtained through a medical prescription.
The proposition requests legislation by November 2025 to set parameters on the amount of cannabis islanders can possess, designated consumption areas, driving restrictions, and accurate roadside testing.
Any roadside 'breath-style' test must be sufficiently accurate to detect recent use, said Deputy Coles.
He said that funding for the legislative framework would come from the approved Government Plan 2025-28 allocation.
Islanders can contact the Alcohol and Drugs Service on 445000 for advice and support on cannabis use.
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