Cannabis campaigners call for change in rules

Cannabis plant
Credit: PA

A woman is calling on Guernsey politicians to decriminalise cannabis after her mum was sentenced for importing the drug to support her health.

Jo Smith wants politicians to support changes in the law, that could see cannabis possession legalised.

Politicians will today (22 July) debate the changes.

Christine Smith - who has multiple sclerosis - narrowly avoided prison after ordering more than five grams of cannabidoil into the island. She ordered the class A drug to help her with pain relief.

She was given a two-year suspended sentence in 2018.

At the time of ordering, Christine believed the drug was Class C.

Campaigners outside of Guernsey’s Royal Court have been calling on the island's stance to change. 

An amendment laid by Deputy Leadbeater is recommending that Guernsey follows the Canadian model of legalising cannabis for recreational purposes.

If agreed, it would spark a dramatic shift in Guernsey's approach to cannabis.