A cost-benefit analysis of a licensed, taxed and regulated cannabis market shows a net benefit

Debate surrounding drugs policy has often been emotive and lacking a solid evidence-base. Over 2,000 people a year in the UK are imprisoned for cannabis offences, despite the lack of any clear empirical evidence of an effect of enforcement activity on cannabis use. Drawing from a recent report he co-authored, Steve Pudney considers the costs and benefits of a system of licensed, regulated and taxed cannabis supply. He sees nothing in the findings to frighten any government or make legalisation unthinkable.