Cannabis penalties need toughening up, not watering down

SIR Sadiq Khan's call to liberalise cannabis has faced a deepening back lash with police chiefs declaring current laws are too soft.

- By Michael Knowles

The capital's Labour mayor said a London Drugs Commission report offered “a compelling, evidence based case” for allowing possession of small amounts.

But Wiltshire police and crime commissioner Philip Wilkinson wants the Class B drug to be treated like heroin and crack cocaine. He said: "From anti-social behaviour and retail theft to more serious offences like modern slavery and human trafficking, cannabis often serves as a gateway drug and funding source for organised crime groups.