(Newswire.net — October 26, 2018) — One of the first things that we need to know, wherever in the world we may live or travel to, are the prevailing laws of that particular country. You don’t have to be a legal luminary but there are laws that are universal and some laws that are particular in some countries whilst they may not be so elsewhere.
For instance the way you would dress in public could also be an issue in some countries whilst it may not be a problem or against the law in other countries. Apart from such trivial laws which could be issues which could be easily ignored if you are not hoping to travel to those countries, the most contentious issue that is being subjected to much argument, is the laws on drugs. The laws on illegal drugs are quite stiff in most countries with severe punishment meted out. You could be sentenced to death in many countries if you are in possession of illegal drugs over a certain quantity whilst lesser quantities could get you a time span in jail.
Whilst hard illegal drugs are looked at with a hawk’s eye in most countries, there is a more sober outlook on marijuana in many countries. Marijuana also referred to as cannabis, has been proven to be a drug that could help in the treatment of many health issues. Hence it has been legalized in many countries and could be bought for medical purposes. Most other countries have still to legalize cannabis even for medicinal purposes. There is a blanket ban on cannabis in these countries with anyone possessing, trading or even smoking it could be charged for that offense. Hence it is imperative that you know what the prevalent laws are before you come anywhere close to cannabis or marijuana.
Marijuana in the UK
As per the prevailing laws in the United Kingdom, it is legal to possess and trade in marijuana or cannabis seeds and is available for sale over the counter and online. There is a hitch to this legality and that is, the seeds that you would possess cannot be germinated and grown because then it could raise eyebrows among the law enforcement agencies. Having marijuana plants in your possession is illegal and would be sufficient evidence to haul you up into a court of law. The sale of marijuana in the UK which is specifically in seed form has to be explicitly for possession only.
If you are found to grow and supply them then it could land you in jail up to a maximum of fourteen years and a fine or both. The seeds that are available over the counter or which are ordered online could be collector’s items only. There is also a responsibility cast on those who would sell marijuana seeds that they should advise their customers about the prevailing laws in the UK. Sellers should be very specific and ensure that they get the message across very loud and clear but what the buyer does after that would be his or her responsibility. If they are found to be growing the seeds, that becomes illegal in the eyes of the law.
Whilst this the prevailing status quo, the law says otherwise that marijuana or cannabis is a Class B drug and is illegal to possess, trade or use and trafficking in it could be a major crime. There have been concerted efforts for many years from activists trying to woo the government to lift the legal constraints on marijuana. This was specifically because it has been proven medically that marijuana could treat some very common illnesses prevalent in the society. The conditions of patients like Alfie Dingley and Billy Caldwell, who were suffering from the dreaded disease of epilepsy, were helped by treating them with cannabis oil. These two became high profile national cases and supported the claims made by those who were pushing for the government to reconsider the legal status of marijuana.
Could there be a change of heart in the UK
The new Home Secretary Honorable Sajid Javid has decreed that come November 1st, 2018, marijuana or cannabis could be made available to patients on a prescription. This is the step in the right direction and has been welcomed by many including those who have been clamoring for this change of heart from the government. There has been an anomaly of sorts regarding marijuana or cannabis for some time now.
Way back in 2015, the police in County Durham took a completely different attitude when they announced that they would not be targeting marijuana growers if it is for their own recreational use. Subsequently, the police in Surrey, Dorset and Derbyshire too took a lenient attitude and said they too would not be targeting individuals as long as it was not for trafficking or sales to others.
The British government was pushed to the corner to relent as most of its neighbors have legalized marijuana and have brought in regulations to ensure that marijuana remains within the set parameters. This has been the best the respective governments could ensure that the illegal trade does not flourish without any revenue being collected on its sale. The legalization of marijuana would ensure that everything is kept in the open within the eye of the law enforcement authorities and it is within the set regulations. Keeping marijuana as an illegal drug would not be the answer as the demand for it is immense and with it, the supply too would be on par.
The lifting of restrictions on marijuana could put its illegal trade in check which has been flourishing since it is the most popular among all illegal drugs in the UK. Hence this partial lifting of restrictions could be the best that could have happened to marijuana as it is needed to treat many common sicknesses. It would be possible in the near future to purchase marijuana seeds UK and plant them at home for recreational purposes.