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The Profitable Paradox: Examining the Interests of Those Prohibiting Cannabis While Profiting from its Prohibition

Lee O'Doherty-Bushnell

Lee O'Doherty-Bushnell

Saturday 15 Jul 2023

Introduction

Cannabis prohibition remains a contentious issue within the United Kingdom, despite shifting attitudes and evolving regulatory frameworks surrounding the plant worldwide. The criminalization of cannabis has been accompanied by a profitable paradox, wherein various stakeholders actively participate in its prohibition while simultaneously reaping financial benefits from its continued illegality. This introduction section aims to provide an overview of the current status of cannabis prohibition in the UK and set the stage for understanding the complex dynamics that underpin this profitable paradox.

In the United Kingdom, cannabis is classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, indicating its illegal status and subjecting it to strict criminal penalties. This legislative framework has created a multi-faceted landscape where individuals, industries, and organizations participate in enforcing and perpetuating the prohibition of cannabis.

The concept of stakeholders profiting from cannabis prohibition refers to those who derive financial gains from the continued illegality of the plant. These stakeholders encompass a diverse range of actors, including law enforcement and the criminal justice system, the pharmaceutical industry, private prisons, lawmakers and politicians, the black market, law enforcement equipment suppliers, and the drug treatment and rehabilitation industry. Each of these stakeholders has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, which raises questions about their motivations and the implications of their financial gains.

The profitable paradox arises when these stakeholders benefit financially from cannabis prohibition, despite evidence suggesting potential benefits from cannabis legalization or regulation. Understanding the dynamics of this paradox is crucial for examining the impact of cannabis prohibition on various aspects of society, including racial and social justice, economic considerations, public health outcomes, and social stigma.

This report aims to shed light on the interests, motivations, and financial gains of the stakeholders involved in cannabis prohibition in the UK. By critically analyzing these dynamics, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between profit and prohibition. Additionally, this report will explore the potential consequences of the profitable paradox and highlight the need for alternative approaches that prioritize public health, social justice, and evidence-based policies within the UK cannabis industry.

Through an examination of the current landscape and an exploration of the perspectives of stakeholders involved, this report aims to contribute to informed discussions and propose solutions that address the profitable paradox and its consequences. By doing so, we can foster a more balanced, equitable, and comprehensive approach to cannabis regulation and policy-making within the United Kingdom.

 

 

 

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