Petition · past parliament · Home Office

Hold a national referendum on legalising and decriminalising cannabis.

Closed 518 signatures

What the petition asks

The UK government should hold a referendum regarding the legalisation of cannabis. The referendum must include an outline for a regulated market for recreational and medicinal use. We believe legalisation would create economic benefits through employment opportunities and taxation.
According to a 2021 YouGov survey a majority of the UK population would support the legalisation of cannabis. The legalisation of cannabis could better ensure safe consumption with rules and regulations to protect the public.

Furthermore, the decriminalisation of cannabis should allow police departments to reallocate time and funding to more important issues. Finally, it is estimated the UK could recoup £1bn annually through consumption taxes levied on cannabis.

Timeline

23 May 2022 Petition opened for signatures
7 Dec 2022 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 518
Status Closed
Department Home Office
Opened 23 May 2022
Closed 7 Dec 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.