Cannabis and Government Policy

Cannabis Information Provision

• 2014 : Drugs and their effects – Cannabis – replaced in October 2024
  "Cannabis is usually smoked with tobacco. It is available in the form of resin, dried and chopped leaves and - less commonly - oil. The main active compound in cannabis is THC. The effects of the drug are varied and include:
  
  • euphoria
  • laughter
  • vivid sensations
  • imagery and hallucinations
  • persistent ideas
  • paranoia
  These effects will vary depending on the person, the environment and the potency and amount of the drug used. Cannabis is illegal and is currently a class B drug in Jersey."
• 2015 : A Parent's Guide to Drugs (6^th Edition) – removed from Gov.je in October 2021 & reinstated in October 2023
  "Cannabis is a variety of the hemp plant originally native to Central Asia but now grown all over the world. Plants can be either male or female. The buds of the female plant provide the highest concentration of the active ingredient THC (tetrahydro-cannabinol), the chemical that provides users with their high. These buds can be dried out and smoked, or processed further by extracting their resin to make hashish or oil. The mild psychedelic effects of THC and its relatively low cost make cannabis the most popular illegal drug among young people in Jersey."
• 2024 : Unlicensed Cannabis Based Medicinal Products (CBPMs)
  "Unlicensed Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBPMs) are dried cannabis flowers or oils made for medicinal use; they are usually called ‘medicinal cannabis’. They are only available in Jersey through private prescriptions paid for by the patient."
• 2024 : Drugs and their effects – Cannabis: Marijuana, Grass, Dope, Pot, Puff, Weed
  "Cannabis is a cannabinoid. It is available as resin, dried flower, and less commonly, oil. The main active compound is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)."

Substance Use Strategy

• 1996 : Working Together Against Drugs: A strategy and implementation plan to reduce the harm to the community caused by the use of illegal drugs: 1996-1999
  Jersey's first substance use strategy, passed by the States Assembly in May 1996.
• 1999 : Substance Misuse Strategy: 1999-2004
  A strategy to "reduce the total harm caused to the community by the use of mood altering substances.
  
  Strategic aims:
  1. Reduce the consumption of psychoactive substances;
  2. Promote, throughout the community, the adoption of health-enhancing behaviours;
  3. Ensure that people with problematic drug use have access to appropriate treatment and information;
  4. Engage, inform and support parents and families;
  5. Provide opportunities to divert people from the criminal justice system into alternative and more effective programmes;
  6. Ensure that the laws relating to drug trafficking are rigorously and effectively enforced."
• 2001 : Responding to drug and alcohol use in Jersey: Key findings report
  Research undertaken by the Imperial College School of Medicine on patterns and trends of drug use in Jersey.
• 2002 : whatabout.je – via the Internet Archive
  A resource for 16-24 year olds providing access to factual, unbiased information about drugs and other health issues.
• 2003 : Responding to drug use in Jersey: Findings and outcomes from a multimethod rapid assessment
  Presentation of findings from the drug-use component of the 2001 study by the Imperial College School of Medicine.
• 2004 : Building a Safer Society – A strategy aimed at minimising the harm caused by crime, anti-social behaviour and substance misuse 2005-2009
  "'Building a Safer Society' is a strategy aimed at minimising the harm caused by crime, anti-social behaviour and substance misuse. It outlines the three strategic priorities for the period 2005-2009 and includes the activities which will be undertaken in order to achieve success:
  1. To create a safer environment by reducing crime, public disorder and anti-social behaviour;
  2. To provide people with opportunities to develop their potential as lifelong learners and active and responsible members of society;
  3. Reduce the harm caused by drugs, alcohol and solvents."
  
  BaSS Annual Reports:
  • 2005 Annual Report
  • 2006 Annual Report
  • 2007 Annual Report
  • 2008 Annual Report
  • 2009 Annual Report
• 2004 : Responding to Drug Use – Report by the Shadow Scrutiny Panel
  Review of the progress made in reducing the harmful effects of drug use, conducted by the Children, Education & Home Affairs Shadow Scrutiny Panel.
  • Review Transcripts
  • Response of the Health and Social Services and Home Affairs Committees
• 2009 : BaSS 2 – Strategic Framework
  "This framework sets out the process by which the Community Safety Partnership will implement an island wide community safety and substance misuse strategy."
  
  BaSS 2 Annual Reports:
  • 2011 Annual Report
  • 2012 Annual Report
  • 2013 Annual Report
  • 2014 Annual Report
  • 2015 Annual Report
• 2013 : Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel Review – Customs and Immigration Service: Resources for prevention of importation of illegal drugs
  "The objective for this brief review was to gather evidence from relevant States agencies regarding the current prevalence of illegal drugs in the Island and to determine whether the ongoing staffing shortages in Customs and Immigration frontline teams might be contributing to an increase in availability and use of these substances."
• 2015 : The Nature, Extent, Impact, and Response to Illicit Drug Use in Jersey
  "The review has also identified the increasing impact of the new psychoactive substances (so-called legal highs) that are now being used within Jersey. Alongside this new form of drug use, concerns remain over the continuing use of cannabis, cocaine, and heroin on the island. The review has shown that the prevalence of problem drug use on Jersey has remained largely constant since the 2001 research."
• 2016 : highs.exposed – via the Internet Archive
  "A new high profile campaign has been launched raising awareness about so called 'legal highs'. The campaign also provides factual information about the effects the substances can have."
• 2016 : Education Department Drugs Policy
  "This Drugs Policy is part of the overall approach to health and well-being adopted by [the Education Department] in relation to its work with children and young people."
• 2016 : PSHE Curriculum
  "Pupils should be taught how to make informed choices about health and wellbeing matters including drugs, alcohol and tobacco; maintaining a balanced diet; physical activity; emotional health and wellbeing and sexual health"
• 2016 : Building a Safer Society – A community safety and substance misuse strategy for Jersey 2016-2019
  "Our three main priorities in this strategy are:
  
  1. To reduce the harms caused by crime, anti-social behaviour and threats to personal safety.
  2. To increase the safety of our community by supporting an integrated approach to social inclusion.
  3. To minimise the harm to individuals, families and communities caused by drugs and alcohol."
• 2016 : Health and Social Services Business Plan 2017
  "Achievements in 2016:
  • Introduced the Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), which has responsibility for delivery of actions for both Alcohol and Drugs services and the range of actions arising from both the Building a Safer Society and Alcohol and Licensing Strategies."
• 2017 : British-Irish Council Ministerial Meeting 2017 – Misuse of Substances Discussion Paper
  "Guernsey is working with Jersey to develop a common approach to enabling the access of patients to medicinal forms of cannabis in a controlled and managed way."
  
  "In Jersey, some changes have been detected in the market price and volume of cannabis and there are indications that small-scale cultivation continues in private premises. In Guernsey and the Isle of Man, cannabis resin remains the most prevalent controlled drug, whereas in other administrations cannabis herb is more commonly found. The use of the Dark Web to access drugs was presented as a particular challenge by Guernsey and also to some degree in Jersey."
• 2019 : Jersey Care Model for Health and Community Services – Briefing Paper
  "Services like Drugs and Alcohol can be provided through external partners."
• 2020 : Justice & Home Affairs Business Plan 2021
  "Developing a new [Drug and Alcohol] Policy with a focus on health and wellbeing and support for Islanders."
• 2021 : Policy on Drugs in Schools
  "This drugs policy is part of an overall approach to health and well-being in CYPES provided and non-provided schools and colleges."
• 2021 : Strategic Policy, Planning & Performance Business Plan 2022
  "Develop evidence based needs led policy and implementation options to reduce the harm from drug and alcohol."
• 2022 : Public Health to Provide Harm Reduction Messaging
  "In response to international and local changes, Public Health will be taking the lead on future messaging around illegal drug use."
• 2023 : Delivery Plans 2023 – Minister for Justice & Home Affairs
  "As part of the Building a Safer Community Strategy development, focus on early intervention and prevention, considering substance use, and other harms such as gambling."
• 2023 : Director of Public Health Annual Report 2022
  "A further unhealthy behaviour impacting health and wellbeing identified in [Jersey's Big Health and Wellbeing Conversation] related to the consumption of drugs. While a few people were worried about drug misuse around the island and the poor support available for those addicted, some young people also admitted 'having a problem' with drugs themselves. They asked for more resources for young people and activities to do so they could occupy themselves differently. This was compounded by some who highlighted drug use among middle-class professionals; with some mentioning 'drugs being an issue in workplaces and banks'."
• 2023 : A Change of Direction: A Substance Use Strategy for Jersey 2023 to 2033
  "The strategy was developed by the Public Health Directorate using a health and social approach to substance use. This work includes understanding local needs through data and engagement with stakeholders."
  
  "Over the next 10 years we will work towards five key aims:
  1. Delay the onset of use while preventing problematic use;
  2. Reduce the harm to individuals, families, and our Island;
  3. Ensure Islanders have access to support covering the spectrum of substance use;
  4. Improve wider health and wellbeing;
  5. Continue progress towards a sustainable health and social based approach."
• 2024 : 2024 Business Plan – Justice & Home Affairs
  "Work closely with our partners on responding to and preventing issues which cause concern in our community by focussing on early intervention and prevention, considering substance use, and other harms such as gambling."
• 2024 : PSHE: Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
  "Health and Wellbeing - Substance Use: Impact of drug and alcohol use."
• 2024 : PSHE Content: Non-Statutory Guidance Key Stage 3 and 4
  
  4. "Substance use
     1. Impact of drug and alcohol use
        This should include:
        • an understanding of non-problematic, problematic and dependent drug and alcohol use and the health risks associated with these;
        • knowing the law relating to the supply and possession of illegal substances;
        • understanding the impact of drugs and alcohol on individuals, personal safety, families, and wider communities and how these can be reduced;
        • how drugs and alcohol affect decision-making and how some prescribed drugs can still present health risks;
        • how to keep self and others safe in situations that involve substance use, including a knowledge of primary first aid responses;
        • how to foster constructive interactions with law enforcement when dealing with substance-related incidents;
        • learning about problematic use of substances (including dependency), physical and psychological signs, and consequences;
        • an understanding of where to seek help for support or treatment."

Criminal Justice Policy

• 1956 : Road Traffic (Jersey) Law – As Amended
  Legislation applying to driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

  • Article 26 : Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs
    1. If any person causes the death of another person by driving a motor vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place and –
       1. the person is, at the time when driving, unfit to drive through drink or drugs;
       2. the person has consumed so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his or her breath, blood or urine at that time exceeds the prescribed limit;
       3. the person is, within 18 hours after that time, required to provide a specimen in pursuance of Article 30, but, without reasonable excuse, fails to provide it; or
       4. the person is required by a police officer to give permission for a laboratory test of a specimen of blood taken from the person under Article 30A, but without reasonable excuse fails to do so,
       the person shall be guilty of an offence under this Article.
    2. For the purposes of this Article, a person shall be taken to be unfit to drive if his or her ability to drive properly is for the time being impaired.
    3. A person guilty of an offence under this Article shall be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
    4. Particulars of any conviction for an offence under this Article shall be endorsed on any licence held by the person convicted.
    5. A person convicted of an offence under this Article shall, without prejudice to the power of the court to order a longer period of disqualification and, unless the court shall for any special reason think fit to order otherwise, in the case of a first offence, be disqualified for a period of 2 years and in the case of a second or subsequent offence committed within 10 years of the last such offence, for a period of 3 years, for holding or obtaining a licence.
    6. In paragraph (5) "offence" means an offence under this Article or under Article 26B, 27, 28, 30 or 30B.
  • Article 26B : Causing serious injury by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs
    1. A person who causes serious injury to another person by driving a motor vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place and –
       1. the person is, at the time when driving, unfit to drive through drink or drugs;
       2. the person has consumed so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his or her breath, blood or urine at that time exceeds the prescribed limit;
       3. the person is, within 18 hours after that time, required to provide a specimen under Article 30, but, without reasonable excuse, fails to provide it; or
       4. the person is required by a police officer to give permission for a laboratory test of a specimen of blood taken from the person under Article 30A, but without reasonable excuse fails to do so,
       is guilty of an offence.
    2. For the purposes of this Article, a person is taken to be unfit to drive if his or her ability to drive properly is for the time being impaired.
    3. A person guilty of an offence under this Article is liable to imprisonment for a term of 4 years and to a fine.
    4. Particulars of any conviction for an offence under this Article must be endorsed on any licence held by the person convicted.
    5. A person convicted of an offence under this Article shall, without limiting the power of the court to order a longer period of disqualification and, unless the court shall for any special reason think fit to order otherwise, in the case of a first offence, be disqualified for a period of 2 years and in the case of a second or subsequent offence committed within 10 years of the last such offence, for a period of 3 years, for holding or obtaining a licence.
    6. In paragraph (5) "offence" means an offence under this Article or under Article 26, 27, 28, 30 or 30B.
  • Article 27 : Driving when under influence of drink or drugs
    1. Any person who, when driving or attempting to drive a vehicle (other than a wheelchair), or when riding, leading or driving or attempting to ride, lead or drive an animal, or when in charge of a vehicle (other than a wheelchair) or animal, on a road or other public place, is unfit to drive, or is unfit to have control of the animal, through drink or drugs, shall be guilty of an offence under this Article:
       Provided that a person in charge of a vehicle, but not driving or attempting to drive the vehicle, shall not be convicted of an offence under this Article if he or she proves to the satisfaction of the court that at the material time the circumstances were such that there was no likelihood of the person driving the vehicle so long as he or she remained unfit to drive through drink or drugs.
    2. A person guilty of an offence under this Article shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of 12 months and to a fine of level 3 on the standard scale.
    3. Removed.
    4. For the purposes of this Article a person shall be taken to be unfit to drive or to be unfit to have control of an animal if his or her ability to drive properly or to have proper control of the animal is for the time being impaired.
    5. A person convicted of a motoring offence under this Article shall, unless the court for special reasons thinks fit to order otherwise and without prejudice to the power of the court to order a longer period of disqualification, in the case of a first offence, be disqualified for a period of 12 months and in the case of a second or subsequent offence committed within 10 years of the last such offence, for a period of 3 years, for holding or obtaining a licence.
    6. In paragraph (5) "offence" means an offence under this Article or under Article 26, 26B, 28, 30 or 30B.
• 2000 : Human Rights (Jersey) Law
  "A law to give further effect to rights and freedoms guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights and for connected purposes."
• 2002 : Review of Criminal Justice Policy in Jersey
  "Recommendation 9 – The development of a harm reduction approach to substance abuse:
  • In accordance with developments elsewhere, consideration should be given to reclassifying ecstasy (from Class A to Class B) and cannabis (from Class B to Class C);
  • The introduction of an arrest referral scheme would provide an opportunity to promote the harm reduction approach to drug users."
• 2007 : Criminal Justice Policy
  "The Rutherford Report recommended that consideration should be given to reclassifying ecstasy and cannabis. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs concluded that the sensible course would be to monitor developments in the U.K. closely. It agreed to reconsider the position after one year as a result of the legislative changes which came into effect on 1st January 2004. At its meeting on 13th April 2006, the Advisory Council decided to recommend maintaining the present classifications. This recommendation has been accepted by the Minister for Home Affairs. Guernsey has also decided not to reclassify cannabis."
• 2011 : Criminal Justice Policy: Status Report
  A summary of progress on the objectives of the Criminal Justice Policy.
• 2012 : The Difficulty of Controlling (Il)legal Highs – A Guernsey Perspective
  An article examining "the measures Guernsey has introduced to control the importation of so-called legal highs comparing those with some of the controls in place in the United Kingdom and Jersey."
• 2015 : Home Affairs Business Plan 2015
  "The current Criminal Justice Policy was approved by the States in 2007 and has proved to be an effective framework for the delivery of intervention, enforcement and rehabilitation policies over the last 7 years. However, steadily reducing crime levels, new threats to public safety such as cyber-crime, the need for further programmes to help change the behaviour of domestic violence perpetrators; and emerging technology mean that the Policy is ripe for review."
• 2019 : Crime (Prejudice and Public Disorder) Law Consultation – Parish Hall Enquiry Fines
  "Article 25 of the new law would provide that, where a person accepts the decision of a Centenier, they can be fined up to £200 at a Parish Hall Enquiry (this will be periodically increased to account for inflation). It is hoped that this will resolve a difficult issue where a person persistently offends at a low level, where the individual incidents are not in themselves serious enough to be passed to the Magistrate's Court. In these cases, a Centenier does not have the option of imposing a fine, and so lacks a key sanction which might serve to modify the offending behaviour."
  • Submissions and Response
    "The proposal would be helpful to the States of Jersey Police and Honorary Police, would avoid unnecessary court appearances. In addition, this would allow a greater focus on the public health aspects of drug use and an increasing emphasis on rehabilitation and treatment, to reduce reoffending."
• 2019 : Justice & Home Affairs Business Plan 2020 / Strategic Policy, Planning & Performance Business Plan 2020
  "Develop a Criminal Justice Policy for Jersey, to include:
  • A framework for the development of new initiatives;
  • Performance measurement for the operation of the system;
  • Proposals for a more integrated and efficient criminal justice process;
  • A restorative justice strategy;
  • A criminal records and enhanced disclosure strategy."
• 2020 : Justice & Home Affairs Business Plan 2021
  "Criminal Justice Policy for Jersey:
  • A framework for the development of new initiatives;
  • Performance measurement for the operation of the system;
  • Proposals for a more integrated and efficient criminal justice process;
  • A restorative justice strategy;
  • A criminal records and enhanced disclosure strategy."
• 2023 : Delivery Plans 2023 – Minister for Justice & Home Affairs
  "Build and enhance relationships across Government and the justice system, as well as with the third sector and other key partners, to enable truly joined up and strategic working including preparatory work for a new Criminal Justice Policy."
• 2024 : Crime (Public Order) (Jersey) Law 2024
  "The majority of first offences for possession of personal amounts of Class B and C drugs may be dealt with at Parish Hall level by way of a written caution but not a fine. This has meant that a second-time minor drug offender must be dealt with by the Magistrates Court. Article 28(A) of the Law would make a 'consequential amendment' to the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978 to address occasional repeat drug possession offences through the imposition of a similar fine of up to level 1."

See also: Policing of Cannabis

Medicinal Cannabis Policy

• 2023 : Ministerial Plans 2024
  Priorities of the Minister for Health and Social Services in 2024:
  6. Advancing the health and wellbeing of all Islanders by:
     5. "Commencing work on developing regulatory systems that provide for the safe prescribing of cannabis and development of the medicinal cannabis industry."
  8. Developing legislation that provides for safe, effective services or supports the health and wellbeing of Islanders including:
     3. "Commence a review of the Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995 and the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978 to ensure that Jersey can support manufacturing, wholesale dealing and cultivation of medicinal products and medicines, whilst ensuring compliance with international and regulatory best practice across all matters related to medicines and controlled drugs."
• 2024 : Rheumatology Service Review - Update
  "The multi-phase proposals are intended to:
  12. Provide adequate regulatory and governance support for the development of the Medicinal Cannabis industry (and other medicinal fungi / plants) in Jersey."
• 2024 : Health and Community Services Advisory Board Papers - March 2024
  "The Committee was advised that under the Medicines (Jersey) Law 1995 and the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978, the Chief Pharmacist has several statutory functions, one related to controlled drug licensing, where cannabis falls. The regulatory activities associated with cultivation take a lot of time, and there is a lack of supporting infrastructure.
  
  There was general agreement that this is a quality issue. HCS's business is to deliver safe medicines management to all Islanders, and the requirements of the cannabis work are detracting from this."
• 2024 : Medicinal Cannabis Dispensing Audit Report
  "In early autumn 2023, the Government of Jersey undertook an audit of Cannabis-Based Products for Medicinal Use (CBPMs) dispensing.
  
  This audit was undertaken by examining the monthly returns provided by pharmacists to the Chief Pharmacist in 2022 and the first 6 months of 2023."
• 2024 : Health and Community Services Advisory Board Papers - July 2024
  "The Committee received an overview of cannabis prescribing in Jersey and noted that the prescribing rate is >100 higher than in the UK. Of most concern is firstly, the lack of regulation of the prescribing clinics; secondly, the prescribing of cannabis to those individuals with mental illness (as in a recent inquest); and thirdly, the public health risk due to the increased likelihood of individuals driving whilst under the influence of this group of drugs.
  
  The Director of Mental Health, Intermediate and Social Care will raise this formally with the Minister for Health and Social Services and the Responsible Officer; the Committee supports this."
• 2024 : Health and Community Services Advisory Board Papers - September 2024
  "Guernsey and Jersey’s Chief Pharmacists work collaboratively to promote effective working on pharmaceutical and medicines optimisation matters between Chief Pharmacist teams in Guernsey and Jersey."
  
  "Joint working has started on in a number of areas, for example:
  • Collaborative working around the use and handling of controlled drugs including cannabis, working jointly with the UKHO."

See also: Medicinal Cannabis in Jersey

Jersey's Rural Economy

• 2015 : Non-Food Crop Options for Jersey
  "Hemp grows fast, is very adaptable to soil and climatic conditions and is undemanding on resources such as artificial fertilisers and pesticides. It provides a good break crop for the farmer, giving the land a rest from other crops and helping to prevent disease. Hemp would be a useful crop to integrate into the existing rotation on Jersey."
• 2016 : Alternative Crop Options for Jersey
  "As the hemp market has undergone growth in the past few years, it represents a market Jersey could penetrate. As a number of products can derive from hemp however, it is important farmers on the island select the right product to cultivate which will complement the facilities and infrastructure on the island as well as provide acceptable rates of return."
• 2017 : Rural Economy Strategy 2017-2021 – Towards Sustainable Farming
  "The new RES will focus on providing measures that consolidate economic growth through encouraging all farms to be 'export ready'. This will be achieved by maintaining key infrastructure such as the continued provision of an abattoir and reducing and removing barriers to greater productivity through linkages with a new Enterprise Strategy. There will also be investment into research and development in alternative crops with high value, but reduced environmental impact which break pest lifecycles and the provision of targeted professional advice to promote skills development. The RES will protect the agricultural land bank and promote collaboration in the food chain through new initiatives such as Farm Jersey – an expansion of the Jersey Export Group and defend the Intellectual Property associated with Jersey brands."
• 2020 : Annual Reports and Accounts 2019
  "An interdepartmental officer group was created to establish a viable and responsible industry for the growth and production of medicinal cannabis as part of the Rural Economy Strategy."
• 2020 : Carbon Sequestration and the Role of Soil and Crops
  "Assess and further research Jersey-specific data on industrial hemp agriculture with respect to carbon content, planting schedule and harvested product uses to develop a Jersey-specific methodology for calculating the enhanced carbon storage."
• 2021 : Regulations for the licensing, production and export of Medicinal Cannabis in Jersey
  Review undertaken by the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel on the medicinal cannabis cultivation industry.
  • Response of the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture
• 2021 : Cannabis production in Jersey: A guide
  A video presentation produced by the Government of Jersey on the Island's cannabis cultivation industry.
• 2022 : 'Legislative Advances made in Jersey' – Minutes of the APPG on CBD Products
  An overview of the legislative advances made on the island regarding Cannabis by the Group Director, Economy and Partnerships, Department for Growth, Housing and Environment - States of Jersey.
• 2022 : Economic Framework for the Rural Environment
  "For a crop rotation to be successful it is essential to investigate other high value, niche market produce such as pharmaceutical crops or plant-made pharmaceuticals (PMPs) which might maintain farm incomes and cover high land rentals allowing improved rotational practices."
• 2022 : Industry Specific Licences and Regulations
  "There are a range of requirements that must be met in order to cultivate medicinal cannabis in Jersey including a licence issued under the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978."
• 2023 : Delivery Plan 2023 – Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport & Culture
  "Supporting the development of the medicinal cannabis industry into a highly regulated, robust and innovative, export-focused element of our rural economy."
• 2023 : Cultivation and Processing of Cannabis – Jersey Licence Application Guidance
  "Guidance which is currently provided to bone fide applicants who apply for a licence [to cultivate cannabis]. It is likely that this guidance will be updated in due course following the review by the current government."
• 2023 : Export Strategy 2023-2026
  "Medicinal cannabis provides Jersey and its businesses with a strong opportunity to build its export strength in a new industry, attracting business and investment across a developing market in Europe. A continued commitment to developing the industry is referenced in the Ministerial Plan for the Department for the Economy and, if successful, could lead to the development of a highly regulated bio-technology sector."
• 2024 : States of Jersey Group 2023 Annual Report and Accounts
  "The medicinal cannabis industry was further developed through the completion of a reputational risk assessment detailing the mitigating actions that could be introduced to continue to enable the sector to become a highly regulated, robust and innovative, export-focused industry. The membership of the Jersey Cannabis Agency (JCA) was considered by the Misuse Of Drugs Advisory Council and subsequent advice provided on expanding the JCA to include broader representation as per the previous Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel recommendations."

See also: Jersey's Cannabis Industry

Food Safety Policy

• 2019 : Food Safety (Jersey) Law Consultation – Novel Food
  "'Novel food' means any food produced from raw material that has not previously been used for human consumption in the British Islands or has been so used only to a very limited extent, or produced by new or extensively modified processes not previously used in the production of food."
• 2022 : Food (Jersey) Law 2023
  "Article 18 : The States may, by Regulations, make provision in relation to importation, exportation, placing on the market or handling of novel foods, genetically modified foods, or food sources from which such foods are intended to be derived."

Health and Safety

• 2022 : Health and Safety Inspectorate Annual Report 2021
  "Following the issuing of the first licences for cannabis cultivation in the island in December 2020 the HSI undertook a review of the potential health and safety risks to workers in this emerging industry, which predominantly relied on guidance published in America and Canada where the industry is far more established. Engagement was had with those known to be seeking to enter the cultivation market in Jersey, but all were at a very early stage of development. It is clear, however, that this sector, together with the health and safety at work implications for those prescribed medicinal cannabis, and workers who operate dangerous machinery or carry out high risk work in particular, will require consideration as we move forwards."

Planning Regulations

• 2023 : Planning and Building (Cannabis) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Jersey) Order 2023
  Restrictions on the development of facilities for the cultivation or production of products of the genus Cannabis.

See also: Planning Applications

Cannabis Revenue

• 2019 : Government Plan 2020-2023
  "Applications to cultivate cannabis in the Island are currently being processed, with licenses likely to be issued later this year. Under current rules any potential future corporate profits arising from the cultivation of cannabis in the Island would be subject to tax at 0%, this being the standard rate of corporate income tax. Consideration is being given to changing the rules so that profits arising from such activities are subject to a positive rate of corporate income tax. As part of this review, the Treasury is seeking to ascertain the profile of future profits and hence the timing and quantum of the potential additional tax revenues."
• 2020 : Misuse of Drugs (Licence Fees) (Jersey) Order 2020
  "Under the provisions of Article 26 of the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978 the Minister has the power to prescribe what fees might be payable in relation to the grant of any licence under any provisions of the Law. No fees have previously been set."
• 2020 : Government Plan 2021-2024
  "Under the current rules, the standard rate of corporate income tax is 0%, though certain types of company are subject to tax rates of either 10% or 20%. In the Government Plan 2020-23, it was announced that consideration was being given to also taxing the profits of companies within the cannabis industry.
  
  In order to be in a position to bring forward a scheme for the taxation of these companies as soon as a proposal is fully developed, an amendment is being made to the Income Tax Law which allows the development of a scheme for taxing the profits of companies within the medicinal cannabis sector through the making of Regulations."
• 2021 : Finance (2021 Budget) (Jersey) Law 2021
  Introduction of powers to make Regulations relating to the taxation of companies in the cannabis industry.
• 2021 : Government Plan 2022-2025
  "Finance (2021 Budget) Law introduced the power to make Regulations for the taxation of the profits of businesses within the cannabis industry. During 2021, the Revenue Policy Development Board (RPDB) decided that the profits made within the cannabis industry should be taxed at the rate of 20% and that normal business tax principles should apply. Those Regulations are being drafted and the intention is that they will take effect for the year of assessment 2022.
  
  The taxation of the medicinal cannabis industry is one of the measures proposed to generate additional revenues from 2024. It is not yet possible to forecast how much tax will be raised because the industry is in its early stages and any forecast would be speculative."
• 2021 : Income Tax (Amendment of Law - Taxation of Cannabis Companies) (Jersey) Regulations 2021
  An amendment of the Income Tax (Jersey) Law 1961 to define cannabis companies and set a tax rate of 20% for such companies.

Cannabis Oversight

Freedom of Information Requests

1. 10^th April 2015 – Confiscations by customs and immigration service at Jersey airport and the harbour 2014
2. 30^th June 2015 – Number of cannabis related arrests and prosecutions 2010 to 2015
3. 17^th August 2015 – Number of negative warrants issued by police from 2010 to 2015
4. 25^th August 2015 – Number of patients treated for taking New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) 2010 to 2015
5. 11^th September 2015 – Written cautions at Parish Hall for possession of drugs 2011 to 2015
6. 5^th October 2015 – Members of the Jersey Misuse of Drugs Advisory Council
7. 3^rd November 2015 – Police time and costs dealing with cannabis related crime
8. 4^th November 2015 – Information and costs in relation to Sativex prescriptions 2010 to 2015
9. 16^th November 2015 – Cost of enforcing drug policies in 2014
10. 13^th June 2016 – Drug offences in schools
11. 22^nd June 2016 – Drink and drug related hospital admissions and treatment
12. 22^nd June 2016 – Drug related hospital treatment and admissions
13. 26^th September 2016 – Drug related hospital admissions
14. 6^th October 2016 – Drug related hospitalisation
15. 20^th October 2016 – Drug related convictions
16. 3^rd May 2017 – Alcohol and drug treatment of under 19 year olds
17. 4^th July 2017 – Cannabis based medications
18. 14^th August 2017 – Parish Hall enquiry records
19. 9^th October 2017 – Medicinal cannabis
20. 19^th October 2017 – Hospital admissions related to drug misuse
21. 25^th October 2017 – Costs associated with investigating drug offences
22. 22^nd January 2018 – Misuse of drugs advisory councils minutes
23. 24^th January 2018 – Misuse of Drugs Advisory Council meeting of 12 December 2017
24. 30^th January 2018 – Stop and Search
25. 29^th March 2018 – Reclassification and decriminalising of illegal drugs
26. 18^th May 2018 – Prosecutions for cannabis cultivation
27. 29^th June 2018 – Arrests for non-violent drug offences
28. 16^th August 2018 – Hemp cultivation
29. 20^th August 2018 – Medicinal cannabis legislation
30. 27^th September 2018 – Medicinal cannabis guidelines
31. 23^rd November 2018 – Postal drug seizures
32. 26^th November 2018 – Medical products prescribed
33. 8^th January 2019 – School survey results
34. 24^th January 2019 – Medicinal cannabis prescriptions
35. 1^st May 2019 – Clinical trials
36. 10^th May 2019 – Correspondence relating to suspension of Deputy Tadier
37. 23^rd July 2019 – Prisoner costs relating to cannabis crimes
38. 8^th August 2019 – Prescriptions issued for medicinal cannabis
39. 13^th August 2019 – Hemp cultivation licences
40. 13^th August 2019 – Use of Bedrocan and Tilray
41. 11^th September 2019 – Hospital admissions related to illegal drug use
42. 26^th September 2019 – Drug seizures by customs
43. 27^th September 2019 – Crimes committed by children
44. 3^rd October 2019 – Numbers of homeless and alcoholics
45. 3^rd October 2019 – Drug related deaths
46. 25^th March 2020 – Cultivation of agricultural land for medicinal cannabis
47. 21^st July 2020 – Cannabis cultivation licenses
48. 23^rd July 2020 – Cannabis import licenses
49. 27^th July 2020 – Cannabis licensing guidelines
50. 27^th July 2020 – Licenses for cannabis importation
51. 27^th August 2020 – Progress on prescription of medicinal cannabis
52. 4^th September 2020 – Cultivation of cannabis offences
53. 7^th September 2020 – Annual report of the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service
54. 7^th September 2020 – Drugs seizures by Jersey Customs
55. 8^th September 2020 – Misuse of Drugs Advisory Council minutes
56. 2^nd October 2020 – Importation of medicinal cannabis
57. 12^th October 2020 – Drug seizures 2017-2019
58. 13^th October 2020 – Cannabis in Law
59. 27^th October 2020 – Issue of medicinal cannabis licences
60. 10^th November 2020 – Investments in Northern Leaf
61. 21^st December 2020 – Hemp cultivation licences
62. 9^th February 2021 – Medicinal cannabis import licences
63. 18^th February 2021 – Cannabis licensing guidelines
64. 25^th February 2021 – Jersey Cannabis Services Advisory Group
65. 25^th February 2021 – Legal framework for issuing medicinal cannabis licenses
66. 16^th March 2021 – Licencing regime for medicinal cannabis
67. 24^th March 2021 – Parish Hall Enquiry records
68. 26^th April 2021 – Individual funding Review for private medication
69. 12^th May 2021 – Medicinal cannabis prescriptions
70. 2^nd July 2021 – Due diligence when approving licences for medicinal cannabis cultivation
71. 14^th July 2021 – Medicinal cannabis industry
72. 13^th August 2021 – Import licences for medicinal cannabis
73. 18^th August 2021 – Guidelines for cannabis licensing
74. 18^th August 2021 – Cannabis Services Advisory Board
75. 27^th August 2021 – Use of Improving Performance Consultancy
76. 1^st September 2021 – Drug Seizures
77. 3^rd September 2021 – Environmental Impact Assessments for medicinal cannabis licenses
78. 21^st October 2021 – Northern Leaf Environmental Impact Assessment
79. 11^th November 2021 – GST arising from medicinal cannabis importations
80. 25^th January 2022 – Political Oversight Group for the medicinal cannabis industry
81. 26^th January 2022 – Medicinal cannabis prescriptions
82. 3^rd February 2022 – Northern Leaf partnership
83. 16^th February 2022 – Amendments to the Planning and Building Order in relation to medicinal cannabis
84. 17^th February 2022 – Drug related conviction statistics
85. 17^th February 2022 – Cannabis Co-ordination Group meeting minutes
86. 22^nd February 2022 – Import licences for medicinal Cannabis
87. 23^rd February 2022 – Cannabis licence Ministerial Decisions
88. 1^st March 2022 – Medicinal Cannabis importation statistics
89. 9^th March 2022 – Drug seizure statistics for 2021
90. 10^th March 2022 – Misuse of Drugs Advisory Council meeting minutes
91. 14^th April 2022 – Director of the Drug and Alcohol Service
92. 10^th May 2022 – Strip searches undertaken by Police and Custom Services
93. 30^th May 2022 – Agricultural statistics reports
94. 7^th July 2022 – Medicinal cannabis proposed changes to the law
95. 12^th August 2022 – Medicinal Cannabis identification policy
96. 6^th September 2022 – Medicinal Cannabis importation figures
97. 10^th November 2022 – Medicinal cannabis licences figures
98. 16^th November 2022 – Arrests and convictions for illegal drugs
99. 20^th December 2022 – Drug convictions from 2018 to 2022
100. 22^nd December 2022 – Medicinal Cannabis importation licence process
101. 29^th December 2022 – Drugs formulary process
102. 19^th January 2023 – Medicinal Cannabis Industry review - 2021
103. 27^th January 2023 – Medicinal Cannabis industry reviews
104. 2^nd March 2023 – Import licences for Medicinal Cannabis in 2022
105. 6^th March 2023 – Drug seizure statistics - 2022
106. 7^th March 2023 – Medicinal Cannabis imports July to December 2022
107. 8^th March 2023 – Licencing guidelines for cultivation and processing of Cannabis
108. 3^rd May 2023 – Cannabis licences and convictions
109. 3^rd May 2023 – Planning application guidelines for medicinal Cannabis
110. 12^th June 2023 – Licencing guidelines for Cannabis
111. 12^th June 2023 – Drug convictions in 2022 and 2023 to-date
112. 27^th June 2023 – Agricultural land usage for Cannabis production
113. 6^th July 2023 – Alcohol and drug referrals 2019 to 2023
114. 11^th July 2023 – Director of the Alcohol and Drug Service role
115. 14^th July 2023 – Noise Abatement Notice - Northern Leaf
116. 14^th July 2023 – Northern Leaf noise and odour emissions
117. 28^th July 2023 – Alcohol and substance abuse crimes
118. 31^st July 2023 – Drug and alcohol hospital admissions 2017 to 2023
119. 15^th August 2023 – Medicinal Cannabis imports January to June 2023
120. 6^th September 2023 – Cannabis licence application numbers
121. 7^th September 2023 – Driving offences involving alcohol or drugs since 2018
122. 3^rd October 2023 – Misuse of Drugs Advisory Council Minutes 2021 to 2023
123. 23^rd October 2023 – Political Oversight Group for the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Minutes
124. 23^rd October 2023 – Cannabis Co-ordination Group Minutes 2021 to 2023
125. 2^nd November 2023 – Attorney General Directive 1/98
126. 7^th November 2023 – Cannabis Co-ordination Group Minutes since inception
127. 29^th November 2023 – Prescribing medicinal cannabis
128. 1^st December 2023 – Drug convictions in 2022 and 2017 to 2021
129. 21^st December 2023 – Attorney General Directive 1/98
130. 22^nd December 2023 – Environmental Assessment and Bat Protection reports of Northern Leaf
131. 22^nd December 2023 – Number of stop and searches from 2017 to 2022
132. 27^th December 2023 – Prosecutions for the possession of Cannabis 2022 and 2023
133. 3^rd January 2024 – Audit of the prescribing of Medical Cannabis
134. 5^th January 2024 – Minutes of Drug Advisory Council meeting April 2006
135. 5^th January 2024 – Minutes of Drug Advisory Council meeting May 2021
136. 9^th January 2024 – Government of Jersey Ministers involvement in Northern Leaf
137. 10^th January 2024 – Economic Development’s Delivery Plan for 2023 - Cannabis
138. 7^th February 2024 – Cannabis destroyed by local cultivators since 2021
139. 20^th February 2024 – Drug seizures in 2023
140. 15^th March 2024 – Glasshouse planning consents
141. 15^th March 2024 – Import licences for Medicinal Cannabis 2023
142. 8^th April 2024 – Possession of cannabis oil in confectionery
143. 9^th April 2024 – Export licences for Medicinal Cannabis - 2023
144. 9^th April 2024 – Cannabis products exports - 2023
145. 26^th April 2024 – Imports of medicinal cannabis products July to December 2023
146. 30^th April 2024 – Prosecutions for the possession of Cannabis since 2014
147. 21^st May 2024 – Psychosis disorder numbers since 2019
148. 30^th May 2024 – Hanway consultancy report - Medicinal Cannabis industry
149. 12^th July 2024 – Arrests arriving into Jersey from UK airports
150. 12^th July 2024 – Medicinal cannabis prescriptions for 25-year-olds and under
151. 12^th August 2024 – Decriminalisation of possession and recreational use of cannabis letter
152. 24^th September 2024 – Imports of medicinal cannabis products January to June 2024
153. 11^th October 2024 – Agricultural Statistics Reports 2019 to 2022
154. 14^th October 2024 – Prisoners Charged with Drug Offences
155. 24^th October 2024 – Cannabis coordination meeting June 2021
156. 29^th October 2024 – Medicinal Cannabis Prescriptions Dispensed per month
157. 15^th November 2024 – Drug testing for civil servants
158. 18^th November 2024 – Drug related deaths since 2019
159. 9^th December 2024 – Economic Development’s Delivery Plan for 2023 - Cannabis (2)
160. 9^th December 2024 – Money paid into consultancy firms Medical Cannabis
161. 9^th December 2024 – Money spent Jersey Cannabis Authority

Cannabis Policy News

1. 13^th January 2007 – Warning over legal 'cannabis'
2. 9^th February 2007 – Child drug use on the decline – paywall
3. 9^th March 2007 – Legalising drugs 'not the way to go' – paywall
4. 20^th July 2007 – Cannabis: We got it right – paywall
5. 12^th March 2009 – Ban on the way for legal highs
6. 21^st December 2009 – 'Legal highs' become illegal
7. 15^th March 2012 – Warning about use of legal highs
8. 23^rd May 2013 – Study call after Jersey drug use changed 'dramatically'
9. 20^th January 2015 – Health warning on CHMICA drug
10. 12^th February 2015 – Legalising cannabis would be 'crazy' says charity head - do you agree?
11. 9^th March 2015 – More support needed for families of drug users and alcoholics
12. 27^th June 2015 – More money needed to tackle Jersey's drug problem - with twice as many problem users as UK
13. 19^th December 2016 – Drug users 'returning to cannabis'
14. 2^nd February 2017 – Drug service now without a director
15. 16^th April 2018 – The Insider: "It's time to legalise cannabis... I feel better for saying it"
16. 16^th March 2019 – Recreational cannabis tax 'could benefit the economy'
17. 28^th March 2019 – Chief Minister: Cannabis café culture not right for Jersey
18. 12^th June 2019 – Did you take drugs? – Jersey's ministers respond to drug survey
19. 4^th August 2019 – Deputy argues for rethink about legalising cannabis
20. 27^th October 2019 – Former addict calls for compassion towards Islanders hooked on drugs
21. 22^nd February 2020 – Police turn to education in new drug crackdown
22. 22^nd May 2020 – No legalisation of cannabis, says minister, despite 2,300 petitioners
23. 27^th October 2020 – "Worrying" rise in cannabis edibles
24. 17^th November 2020 – Partial decriminalisation of the recreational use of cannabis is a possibility – paywall
25. 27^th April 2021 – Responses to Crime Prejudice Law consultation published
26. 27^th April 2021 – Decriminalisation of drugs to be considered
27. 19^th May 2021 – Law update would change position on proceeds from lawful cannabis industry
28. 1^st July 2021 – Investing in medicinal cannabis is approved
29. 8^th October 2021 – The islands are on a journey with cannabis – the sooner we reach the destination, the better for all
30. 25^th October 2021 – Legalising cannabis ‘in islands' interest'
31. 27^th October 2021 – Will The Channel Islands Legalise Recreational Cannabis Before The UK?
32. 27^th October 2021 – Guernsey's former Chief Minister calls to legalise cannabis across the Channel Islands
33. 8^th December 2021 – Cannabis in the Channel Islands: Could This Be the First UK Region to Legalise?
34. 1^st February 2022 – Scrutiny calls for action to tackle male violence towards women and misuse of alcohol and drugs
35. 30^th May 2022 – More than half of election candidates 'would support a progressive approach to cannabis' in Jersey
36. 14^th June 2022 – Cannabis laws: New States ‘could be more progressive'
37. 22^nd August 2022 – Could the Crown Dependencies be the Key to UK Cannabis Reform?
38. 30^th August 2022 – Cannabis decriminalisation ‘could be up for discussion'
39. 31^st August 2022 – Cannabis: Change is in the air
40. 11^th October 2022 – Jersey politician: 'Prosecuting people for smoking a few joints of cannabis to relax… is a waste of public resources'
41. 14^th October 2022 – Growing calls for cannabis to be decriminalised in Jersey
42. 15^th October 2022 – Power to the Parish — will Jersey keep low-level class B and C drug offending out of the courts?
43. 17^th October 2022 – Substance abuse 'is only a side note'
44. 25^th October 2022 – Large drop in prosecutions for possession of cannabis
45. 29^th November 2022 – Roadside drug tests which can detect cannabis and cocaine in minutes could be introduced in Jersey
46. 29^th November 2022 – Finding the right balance
47. 29^th April 2023 – Long-awaited Substance Use Strategy expected within weeks
48. 2^nd June 2023 – Medicinal cannabis industry brings up to £60m investment to Jersey
49. 17^th July 2023 – How teenagers are buying drugs online
50. 17^th July 2023 – 'Within 30 minutes I was being told I could have the drugs shipped to Jersey in under two days'
51. 18^th July 2023 – Parents told to wake up to online drugs trade
52. 18^th July 2023 – Online anonymity 'has made people bolder'
53. 18^th July 2023 – Help and advice for parents
54. 19^th July 2023 – 'You will lose your phone if you use it to buy drugs'
55. 19^th July 2023 – Prepare to lose your devices, if arrested
56. 19^th July 2023 – 'You can see when they are onto something because there is a change in behaviour'
57. 20^th July 2023 – New ten-year Substance Use Strategy launched
58. 20^th July 2023 – The decriminalisation of cannabis
59. 23^rd July 2023 – Drugs warning for young people in Jersey
60. 28^th July 2023 – Members to debate decriminalising cannabis in Jersey
61. 28^th July 2023 – What happens if you are caught with cannabis?
62. 2^nd August 2023 – Decriminalisation on the horizon in Jersey?
63. 7^th February 2024 – Law Changed To Tackle Knives In Schools
64. 13^th February 2024 – Centeniers given new powers under new bill
65. 13^th February 2024 – Jersey passes 'de jure' decriminalisation of cannabis for personal use
66. 28^th February 2024 – Value of drugs seized by Jersey Customs rises dramatically to £1.89 million during 2023
67. 9^th March 2024 – Could Jersey be next to decriminalise cannabis?
68. 23^rd March 2024 – No in-committee debate on decriminalising drugs this political term, says minister
69. 15^th April 2024 – Drug smuggling back to pre-Covid levels
70. 16^th April 2024 – Jersey politician to propose decriminalising cannabis for personal use
71. 16^th April 2024 – Your questions answered as Jersey politician considers relaxing cannabis law
72. 30^th April 2024 – Unclear which minister might lead new debate on cannabis
73. 30^th April 2024 – Gov employees could face compulsory drug testing
74. 17^th May 2024 – We should take the same approach to cannabis as we do with tobacco: legalise, regulate, tax and educate
75. 24^th May 2024 – Call for debate on decriminalisation of cannabis
76. 25^th May 2024 – Could Jersey be next to decriminalise cannabis?
77. 31^st May 2024 – Time to look at the issue of cannabis legislation too?
78. 31^st May 2024 – Decriminalising cannabis could cause harm - expert
79. 4^th June 2024 – ‘Jersey is starting to put itself in the vanguard of bold new legislation’
80. 7^th June 2024 – Time for a ‘sales pitch’?
81. 14^th June 2024 – Bid to change law which brands some cannabis products as Class A
82. 18^th June 2024 – FOCUS: Cannabis regulation, decriminalisation, or legalisation?
83. 18^th June 2024 – States Assembly to Vote on Cannabis Reform in Jersey
84. 18^th June 2024 – Jersey might allow recreational cannabis use in the future
85. 19^th June 2024 – Warnings against young people self-medicating with cannabis
86. 25^th June 2024 – EXPLAINED: What's on the table for the cannabis law debate?
87. 26^th June 2024 – Politicians vote on cannabis proposition
88. 26^th June 2024 – Politicians reject cannabis decriminalisation by a hair
89. 27^th June 2024 – Medicinal cannabis grower calls on ex-minister to retract comments
90. 15^th August 2024 – Letter reveals expert group’s misgivings ahead of key cannabis vote
91. 16^th September 2024 – Is cannabis illegal or not?
92. 26^th September 2024 – £100,000s spent… but cannabis industry strategy sidelined
93. 2^nd October 2024 – 'Time to stop chasing pots of gold – our government needs a prompt injection of realism'
94. 15^th November 2024 – Plans to drug test States workers in 2025
95. 21^st November 2024 – Should public funding be used for cannabis cultivation?
96. 26^th November 2024 – Jersey’s cannabis sector yet to deliver significant tax revenue
97. 27^th November 2024 – Tussle over plans to spend £1bn of public money begins