The Green Party’s Vision: Legalise Cannabis and Reform Drug Policy in the UK
Introduction
Cannabis legalisation in the UK has become one of the most debated political issues of 2026. The Green Party of England and Wales has long advocated a different approach to drug policy. Following the Gorton and Denton by‑election on 27 February 2026, in which local plumber Hannah Spencer overturned Labour’s 13 000‑vote majority to become the Green Party’s first MP in northern England, discussions about the party’s proposals for legalising cannabis and other drugs have intensified. This article explains the current legal framework for cannabis in the UK, summarises the Green Party’s policies on drug reform, and considers what a regulated cannabis market could mean for businesses such as Weed Supermarket, the UK’s leading supplier of legal cannabinoids.
Current cannabis law in the UK
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, cannabis is classified as a Class B controlled drug. A government information page notes that the penalties for possession, supply or production depend on the drug class; for Class B drugs such as cannabis the maximum penalty for possession is five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both, and the maximum penalty for supply or production is 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine. Police may issue a warning or an on‑the‑spot fine of up to £90 for cannabis possession, but repeat offences can result in prosecution – UK Drug Classification System (Gov.uk).
The House of Commons Library explains that it is illegal to possess, produce, supply, import or export cannabis. In November 2018, regulations were amended to allow cannabis‑based medicines to be prescribed by specialist doctors, yet the drug remains illegal for recreational use. Only two licensed medicines—Sativex (nabiximols) and Epidyolex (high‑purity CBD)—have marketing authorisations in the UK, and the government stated in November 2024 that it had no plans to make further changes to the medicinal cannabis framework – House of Commons Library – Cannabis: Medical and Recreational Use.
In practice, this means that while medical cannabis is available under strict conditions, the sale and possession of cannabis containing significant amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) remain criminal offences. Businesses may sell hemp‑derived products containing trace amounts of THC (≤ 0.2 % in most cases), but the recreational cannabis market is unregulated and largely underground.
The Green Party’s drug policy
Evidence‑based reform
The Green Party argues that the “war on drugs” has failed and that punitive policies disproportionately affect marginalised communities. Its 2024 general election manifesto pledges to establish a National Commission for an evidence‑based approach to drug law reform, emphasising that policing low‑level drug offences (especially cannabis possession) has not reduced use. The manifesto calls for decriminalising personal possession, diverting people from the criminal justice system to support and harm‑reduction services, and properly funding treatment programmes. The Local Government Association’s summary of the manifesto notes that the Greens would decriminalise personal possession and redirect users to support services.
The party’s 2019 manifesto went further, proposing to repeal the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, pardon individuals convicted of small‑scale possession and supply, and treat drug misuse primarily as a health issue. It supported a regulated market in which specially qualified pharmacists would provide adults with recreational drugs after consultations, and suggested licensing cannabis social clubs and small community‑based businesses to prevent corporate exploitation and prioritise environmental sustainability. Adults would be allowed to grow limited quantities of cannabis.
A regulated cannabis market
In the 2024 election cycle, cannabis news outlet Leafie described the Green manifesto as the most progressive among major parties. According to the publication, the party pledges to decriminalise all drugs for possession, move toward a legal, regulated market, support home growing and cannabis social clubs, and ensure that reforms are evidence‑based. This would involve regulating cannabis similar to alcohol: adults could purchase regulated products, while strict age limits and product controls would reduce youth access and undermine criminal supply chains.
Leadership advocacy
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has been outspoken about reform. In a February 2026 interview on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he revealed that he has never taken drugs or drunk alcohol, yet he wants to legalise all drugs and regulate their use. Polanski argued that politicians who admit to past drug use while supporting punitive policies take a “hypocritical approach” and that a public health approach is needed to prevent deaths. He emphasised that legalising and regulating drugs would allow people with problematic relationships to access medical help and criticised the “war on drugs” for pushing use into the black market. Polanski also highlighted racial disparities in drug enforcement, noting that young black and brown people are disproportionately targeted for drug offences – Green Party leader Zack Polanski recently defended the party’s stance in a BBC interview.
Challenging opponents
During a debate ahead of the by‑election, Labour’s policing minister warned that the Green policy could create a “drugs epidemic”, but Polanski defended his party’s public health approach, insisting that a regulated market would curb criminal supply and reduce harm. He accused Labour of playing political games and stressed that the war on drugs is failing. The by‑election result, where the Greens triumphed over both Labour and Reform UK, suggests that voters are receptive to the party’s progressive platform.
Weed Supermarket and the potential for a regulated market
One company watching these developments closely is Weed Supermarket. The online retailer currently supplies legal hemp‑derived products and CBD flowers in the UK. Cannabis blog High & Polite notes that Weed Supermarket is one of the UK’s leading CBD flower suppliers with ambitions to sell THC‑rich strains once the law changes. On its own website, the company markets high‑grade cannabis flowers, extracts and concentrates, boasting same‑day dispatch and over 1 300 customer reviews. The site explains that it sources premium weed and solids from Europe, accepts bank transfers for payment and emphasises fast delivery.
At present, cannabis with more than trace amounts of THC remains illegal. Weed Supermarket’s business model therefore centres on hemp‑derived cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG and THCa (which falls into a legal grey area but is marketed as hemp). Should the Green Party’s proposed reforms be enacted, companies like Weed Supermarket could expand into a fully regulated market, offering THC‑rich cannabis products subject to licensing, age restrictions and quality controls. This would provide consumers with safe, lab‑tested cannabis and create new tax revenues for the government while undermining criminal dealers.
Implications of legalisation
Legalising cannabis could bring multiple benefits:
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Public health: Shifting from criminalisation to regulation would allow resources to be redirected into treatment, harm reduction and education. Polanski argues that problematic users should receive medical support rather than prison sentences. Regulated products with clear labelling and dosage information could reduce the risk of contamination and over‑consumption.
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Criminal justice: Decriminalising possession would ease the burden on police and courts. The Green manifesto notes that policing low‑level cannabis offences has not reduced use and has not hindered criminal markets. A regulated market would undercut organised crime profits and reduce street‑level dealing.
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Economic opportunity: A legal cannabis industry could create thousands of jobs and generate significant tax revenues. Although estimates vary, Canada’s legal cannabis market generated billions of dollars in annual sales. Businesses like Weed Supermarket could expand their product ranges, invest in sustainable cultivation and contribute to local economies.
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Social justice: The Green Party highlights that drug enforcement is often racialised. Legalisation accompanied by expungement of past minor convictions, as the Greens propose, would reduce the long‑term impact of criminal records on employment and housing.
Conclusion
The Green Party’s victory in the Gorton and Denton by‑election underscores the growing appeal of its radical yet evidence‑based approach to drug policy. With cannabis still a Class B drug—illegal to possess, supply or cultivate—the Green Party stands out for advocating legalisation and regulation rather than prohibition. Leader Zack Polanski argues that legalising all drugs and taking a public health approach is the best way to reduce harm and confront racial disparities. The party’s manifesto promises to decriminalise possession, establish a national commission for evidence‑based drug reform, and permit cannabis social clubs and home cultivation.
For businesses like Weed Supermarket, which already supplies legal cannabinoids and aspires to offer THC products, these reforms could open a new era of regulated, transparent cannabis retail. Whether the UK ultimately embraces the Green vision will depend on broader political dynamics, but the by‑election result and shifting public attitudes suggest that the conversation about cannabis legalisation is far from over. If the UK follows countries such as Canada or Germany, the legal cannabis market could transform British retail and regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis legal in the UK in 2026?
No. Cannabis remains a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, although medical cannabis is available under specialist prescription.
Does the Green Party want to legalise cannabis?
Yes. The Green Party supports decriminalisation and the creation of a regulated cannabis market.
Would THC become legal under Green Party policy?
The party has proposed regulation similar to alcohol, meaning THC products could potentially be legally sold under strict controls.
Can businesses like Weed Supermarket sell THC?
Currently no. Only hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal. However, a change in law could allow regulated THC sales in the future.
