Almost half of people 'back legalising cannabis'

The poll surveyed 2,000 people Credit: PA

Legalising cannabis is favoured by 47% of people, latest figures show.

But only 39% oppose the sale of the Class B drug through licensed shops, while 14% remain "don't know" on the issue.

The new poll, which surveyed 2,000 people, was carried out by polling company ORB for The Independent newspaper.

Liberal Democrats' health spokesman Norman Lamb has previously said he wants the drug to be legalised in order to stop money going into the pockets of criminals.

Danny Kushlick, head of external affairs at the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, said that "millions" wanted the Government to take control of the cannabis trade.