Copenhagen makes fourth bid to legalise cannabis to help reduce gang warfare
Danish government unlikely to grant request for trial legalisation programme
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Copenhagen officials are trying to legalise cannabis - despite the Danish government rejecting a proposed trial three times previously.
The city government, led by Mayor Frank Jensen, has made its fourth formal request that the capital is allowed to carry out a trial legalisation programme where sales are exclusively handled by public authorities.
The coalition of the left-wing Red-Green Alliance and the libertarian-leaning Liberal Alliance (LA) said the trial is necessary to prevent the increasing number of shootings in the city which they believe are linked to rival gangs attempting to control the local market.
LA council member told Danish broadcaster DR: “The past months have seen an intensification in the fight between gangs to dominate the lucrative and illegal market. That causes insecurity for residents.”
The move came just months after a market selling cannabis in the "hippie" district was torn down following a shooting incident in September.
The gunman, named as Mesa Hodzic, was shot dead by police. He was believed to have been an Isis sympathiser.
Two officers and one civilian were also wounded in the incident when police attempted to arrest a known drug dealer.
The Freetown Christiania district, which was founded by squatters who took over a disused army building 45 years ago, was a popular tourist attraction due to its colourful houses and cannabis trade.
The national government has traditionally been against any form of drug legalisation so it is unlikely it will support the Copenhagen ban but there are signs it could be softening its previously hardline stance, The Local reports.
Last month the government approved a four-year trial programme which allowed a small number of patients to be treated with medical marijuana from 2018.
Meanwhile, polls have shown 88 per cent of Danish people support legalising cannabis for medicinal use and just over half approve of its recreational use.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments