SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 12/09/03

Sheridan demands the end of criminalisation for cannabis possession

Tommy Sheridan today lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament calling for The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland to issue the same guidelines in relation to the possession of cannabis as the ACPO has done for England, Wales & Northern Ireland which will effectively decriminalise the drug for personal use.
Sheridan said;
"In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the police are to be issued with new guidelines that will effectively decriminalise cannabis for personal use.
"The police in Scotland must urgently draw up similar guidelines to end the needless prosecution and criminalisation of cannabis users north of the border.
"In England, Wales and Northern Ireland they are at least beginning to address the issue, here in Scotland we are sadly lagging behind.
"The Scottish Socialist Party will continue to fight for the full legalisation of cannabis within a licensing framework similar to alcohol and tobacco that enables the setting up of Dutch style cannabis cafe's."