VolteFace is delighted to announce The Tide Effect, a new project in collaboration with the Adam Smith Institute and the writer Boris Starling.
The Tide Effect, to be published on 30th September, will explore the implications for policymakers in the UK of emerging international approaches to legalise and regulate the sale of cannabis.
The report will take account of the history of policy deliberations relating to the legal status of cannabis, reflect on new insights from science regarding the health effects of consuming cannabis and localised policy innovations initiated by police forces in various jurisdictions in the UK.
The Tide Effect will examine the future shape of the emerging cannabis industry and make recommendations for UK policymakers who have to consider how to respond to new global policy and market trends.
Commenting on the timeliness of the initiative, Steve Moore, Director of VolteFace, said “For years it was impossible for advocates of reform to cannabis laws to refer to alternative, effective, practical alternative policy solutions. That is no longer the case. The development of legal, regulated marketplaces for cannabis in the US and Canada is the most significant development in drug reform for decades.
“UK policy makers cannot ignore these new approaches that potentially eradicate criminality, improve public health and generate tax revenues. We are delighted to be collaborating with the Adam Smith Institute on this new report.”
Sam Bowman, Executive Director of The Adam Smith Institute, spoke earlier this year at the VolteFace panel event ‘Regulate. But How?’ and is enthusiastic about the new partnership: “I’m delighted that the Adam Smith Institute is partnering with VolteFace to make the case for common sense cannabis policy that regulates the drug and takes it out of the hands of criminals.”
It is hoped the report will help persuade politicians that have as yet remained unconvinced of the need to consider cannabis law reform, as Bowman notes: “The rest of the world is moving in the direction of regulation and safety, and it’s high time that Britain does too. With this report we will be giving policymakers the evidence they need to create a sensible regulatory framework for cannabis and a path away from prohibition.”