Jersey may ease cannabis laws under new proposals

Jersey’s approach to cannabis could be set for a significant overhaul, as politicians prepare to debate proposals that would treat personal use as a health matter rather than a criminal offence.

Health and Social Services Minister Tom Binet has submitted a proposition to the States Assembly offering members three potential paths for reform. The options range from ending prosecutions for minor possession to testing a fully regulated retail system.

Under the first proposal, people found with small amounts of cannabis for personal use would no longer face prosecution, with authorities instead prioritising harm reduction and public health support. A second option would decriminalise possession and limited home cultivation within tightly controlled boundaries.

The most far-reaching proposal suggests launching a government-led pilot scheme that would allow registered islanders to purchase non-medical cannabis. The trial would assess whether legal regulation could improve safety and reduce harm.

The States Assembly is due to debate the proposals on 3 February. Should any option receive approval, more detailed plans would be developed. However, any move to halt prosecutions would require scrutiny by the Attorney General, officials confirmed.

Cannabis is currently the most commonly used illegal drug in Jersey, mirroring trends seen across Europe. Government figures show around 4% of adults on the island already receive medical cannabis prescriptions — a proportion significantly higher than in England.

The government has stressed that any reform would be accompanied by education campaigns highlighting potential risks, including dependency and mental health concerns.

Discussions have also taken place with the UK government, as Jersey is required to comply with international drug control treaties. While the UK has not yet set out a formal position, it is expected to offer guidance following the States vote.

If all three proposals are rejected, Jersey’s existing framework will remain, with low-level offences continuing to be addressed through parish hall enquiries.

Mr Binet said the proposals were intended to move policy “away from criminalisation for personal use of cannabis and towards a health-focused, harm reduction approach.”