The Chief Minister of the Isle of Man has said wants to widen the debate on drugs, by considering decriminalising cannabis on the island.
Allan Bell’s comments follow a presentation on the island given by former Westminster drugs adviser Professor David Nutt, who was sacked under Labour after he criticised stricter laws on cannabis.
Most recently, Professor Nutt said the number of deaths from so-called legal highs are overestimated, arguing that drugs are often wrongly classified or already outlawed in the UK.
During his speech, Professor Nutt suggested that by relaxing laws, the self-governing Crown dependency could become a research hub for exploring the medical benefits of drugs, the Isle of Man Examiner reported.
In an interview with the newspaper, Mr Bell praised Professor Nutt’s “fresh perspective” on the drugs debate.
Accepting the link between cannabis and mental health problems, Mr Bell told reporters it was also important to consider evidence which suggests that it has positive effects on a range of medical conditions.
By Kashmira Gander
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