The U.K. Parliament has announced to debate on the nationwide legalization of marijuana on October 12 after a public petition repealing for prohibition.
The Guardian reports 25-year-old economics student James Owen from Aberystwyth University was able to collect over 200,000 signatures petitioning for marijuana legalization in the country.
According to his parliamentary proposal, the legalization of pot can generate millions in tax revenue and open thousands of job opportunities.
Leading the debate to be held at Westminster Hall is Newport West Labour MP Paul Flynn, who has been an active supporter of Cannabis legalization for more than 25 years.
In 2011, Flynn launched the report How To Regulate Cannabis in Britain as drafted by the country's largest pro-reform group Clear UK.
"He's a man of tremendous integrity and I think he has a great deal of respect in the house, although some regard him as a bit of an eccentric," said Clear UK leader Peter Reynolds. "I've been frustrated by Paul's tactics in the past, because he's said to me we need to move slowly to a position of consensus but I think we've allowed the people who oppose us to get away with far too much over the past few years. But Paul's probably the only choice for the debate."
According to High Times, Marijuana has been illegal in the U.K. since 1925. Guilty for possession will be sentenced in jail for five years and 15 years for distribution.
Cannabis supporters were looking forward to the Parliament's response but the government immediately expressed its opposition. As stated on its website, "Substantial scientific evidence shows cannabis is a harmful drug that can damage human health," it read. "There are no plans to legalise cannabis as it would not address the harm to individuals and communities."
The Parliament, however, is still obligated to hold the debate. As lobbyists continue to seek victory, citizens are urged to encourage all MPs to participate.
