Lee Anderson MP for Ashfiled and Mansfiled gives a standard response

Thank you for contacting me about drug use.

There is scientific and medical evidence showing that drugs are harmful to health and society.

It is my belief that a legalisation programme would not address the harm to individuals and communities.

Cannabis for example can unquestionably cause harm to individuals and society.

Legalisation of cannabis would not eliminate the crime committed by the illicit trade, nor would it address the harms associated with drug dependence and the misery that this can cause to families.

Despite the potential opportunity offered by legalisation to raise revenue through taxation, there would be costs in relation to administrative, compliance and law enforcement activities, as well as the wider costs of drug prevention and health services.

I do welcome the fact that the Government keeps drug control under constant review and considers new evidence of misuse and harms alongside independent experts at the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

The Government’s approach on drugs remains clear and it is one which I support. Drug use must be prevented in our communities, help should be provided to dependent individuals, while law enforcement must protect society by stopping the supply and tackling the organised crime that is associated with the drugs trade.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me

Best wishes Lee