Jeremy Corbyn backs calls to decriminalise possession of cannabis Jeremy Corbyn said he would like to see the possession of cannabis to be decriminalised as he backed calls for […]

Jeremy Corbyn said he would like to see the possession of cannabis to be decriminalised as he backed calls for the drug to be used for medicinal purposes.

The Labour leader made the surprise intervention stating that being penalised for carrying “small amounts” of cannabis can cause difficulties for younger people.

Mr Corbyn signed an early day motion back in 2000 as a backbencher calling for the drug to be decriminalised.

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Leads to difficulties

Asked in an interview with Sky whether he had changed his mind on the issue, he replied: “No, I think criminalising people for possession of small amounts of cannabis is not a terribly great idea and does lead to great difficulties particularly for younger people in communities like mine,” he said.

“So I do think the debate is moving on.”

The MP for Islington North said there were health concerns with any drug, and that cannabis is not without “consequences”.

He added: “Personally I don’t take any drugs at all, and I think we should just think about it quite carefully.”

Mr Corbyn also backed growing calls for the drug to be used for medicinal purposes “as quickly as possible”.

“I think at this stage we should say medical use of cannabis is good and cannabis oil is clearly beneficial to people and that should be decriminalised,” he said.

“Let’s go with what’s proposed now which is the availability of cannabis for medicinal purposes.”

Javid review

Earlier this month, Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced that the government will carry out a review of the scheduling of cannabis for medicinal use.

Mr Javid said the commission would first have experts look at the evidence for the medical benefits of cannabis, before government advisors recommend what products might be rescheduled.

He underlined, however, that the government would not be legalising cannabis for recreational use, saying penalties for unauthorised supply and possession will remain in place.