As islanders are invited to share their views on the future of recreational cannabis use in Jersey, Express explores how other countries have reformed their laws to allow the legal use, cultivation, and sale of non-medicinal cannabis…
An online survey was launched last week to understand what people in Jersey think about the island’s current approach to non-medicinal cannabis, and whether the law should change.
A States Assembly debate on whether Jersey should change the law in relation to non-medicinal cannabis – and what those changes should be – is due to take place in November 2025.
Health Minister Tom Binet said: “We want to make sure islanders have the chance to share their views on recreational cannabis policy, and this survey is an important part of that.
“Understanding public opinion will allow the Assembly to ensure that any future decisions are informed by the views of islanders.
“I’d encourage everyone to take a few minutes to have their say.”
What are the current cannabis laws in Jersey?
Cannabis is currently illegal in Jersey, unless it is medicinal cannabis used by a patient in accordance with a prescription.
Vaping and taking oral medical cannabis has been legalised, but smoking it remains illegal.
Cannabis is a controlled drug, so prescriptions must meet a rigid set of legal requirements – including a 30-day maximum duration.
Last year, politicians rejected a proposition which would have decriminalised cannabis for personal use by one vote.
What about the rest of the world?
Some countries have moved away from criminalising the personal use of cannabis, and some have moved towards a regulated model allowing access to cannabis under a variety of controls.
In the Netherlands, cannabis is technically illegal but has been sold openly in licensed “coffeeshops” for many years. In 2023, the government began trials in some areas to allow shops to sell cannabis legally grown by licensed producers, to reduce crime and improve safety.
In Malta, people can legally possess small amounts of cannabis and grow a limited number of plants at home. Groups called cannabis clubs can also grow and share cannabis with registered members.
Since last year in Germany, adults can legally possess small amounts of cannabis and grow a limited number of plants at home. Non-profit cannabis clubs can also grow cannabis and provide it to members.
Cannabis has been legal for adults since 2018 in Canada. People can possess and grow limited amounts, and buy from licensed shops run by private businesses or governments, depending on the province.
In Switzerland, a number of areas have begun time limited, controlled trials of regulated supply models.
In Portugal, personal drug use is treated as a health issue, not a crime. Having small amounts of any drug, including cannabis, usually leads to support or education, not prosecution. Selling and supplying drugs is still illegal.
Cannabis is illegal for non-medical use in the UK, where possession can lead to a warning, fine, or arrest. Medical cannabis is legal with a prescription.
In the USA, rules regarding cannabis differ by state. Some states allow full legal use and sale of cannabis, others allow only medical use, and some still treat all use as illegal. It remains illegal under federal law.
HAVE YOUR SAY…
Islanders are encouraged to complete the survey online.
They can also sign up to attend a focus group meeting.
The consultation will be open until 11 July.