A Bill to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to provide for the lawful production, packaging, marketing, sale, purchase, possession and consumption of herbal cannabis in specific circumstances by certain persons; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
12 May 2016
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
The Cannabis (Legalisation and Regulation) Bill would change the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to allow certain people to legally grow, package, market, sell, buy, possess and use herbal cannabis under defined conditions, within a regulated framework. It would set out related rules and safeguards to support this system.
The bill is at the 2nd reading stage in the House of Commons. It originated in the Commons, having had a first reading in 2016, and faced a division against it in December 2018. Further stages (committee, report, third reading, and Lords consideration) would follow if it progresses.
In the recorded division on 11 December 2018, 52 MPs voted Aye and 66 voted No, indicating the measure did not pass that vote. The data provided does not include party-by-party breakdown.
Generated 21 February 2026
23 Mar 2016
Based on 1 recorded vote • Sorted by % Aye
The 2015-16 session of Parliament has ended and this Bill will make no further progress.
This Bill was introduced to Parliament on 23 March 2016 under the Ten Minute Rule. This allows an MP to make his or her case for a new bill in a speech lasting up to ten minutes. An opposing speech may also be made before the House decides whether or not the bill should be introduced. If the MP is successful the bill is taken to have had its first reading.
