The Transform Drug Policy Foundation, a British organization, started a fundraiser to legalize and regulate recreational cannabis in the UK. The campaign’s goal is to protect young people, prioritize health and social justice, and reduce crime. With legalization, cannabis would be sold in controlled stores with age controls, which would reduce the illegal market and provide the state with tax revenue.
The organisation aims to raise £50,000 to support its work. This includes collaboration with experts, production of economic analysis, and raising awareness through the media. Transform has previously helped governments in several countries design cannabis laws. They are an independent charity that does not accept money from companies, which guarantees their impartiality.
The campaign’s main argument is that the current prohibition policy is ineffective and harmful. By legalizing and regulating cannabis, the UK can take control of the market, reduce the black market, and use tax revenues to fund public health initiatives and education programs.
Transform also highlights that a regulated market can reduce access to cannabis for young people, as illegal traders do not care about age limits. In addition, legalization would mean that the police can focus on more serious crimes, which would contribute to increased public safety.
This campaign is part of a global movement that is seeing more and more countries rethinking their drug laws and moving towards a more regulated and health-based view of cannabis. Transform hopes that the UK will soon follow suit.