Share this post:

Zack Polanski wants all drugs to be fully legalised – including Class A substances like heroin and crack cocaine.

Has he been taking something he shouldn’t?

Speaking to BBC South East ahead of the party’s conference in Bournemouth, Polanski argued that the “war on drugs has absolutely failed” and called for a public health-led approach rather than one dictated by politicians.

Before we all have a knee-jerk reaction: on paper, there is some logic to his stance.

Polanski framed it as a cost-saving measure for the public purse, noting that illegal markets fuel gangs and criminal activity.

Treating drug use as a public health issue could reduce crime, focus resources on rehabilitation, and improve outcomes for people struggling with addiction.

But politically, it is highly risky.

The Green Party’s recent successes in parts of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey have largely come from moderate voters, often former Conservatives, who care about local issues like protecting green spaces and housing.

For these voters, Polanski’s blanket call to legalise all drugs is likely to seem extreme, unsafe, or both.

Media headlines are already primed to focus on the “legal heroin” angle—hardly an image that builds confidence in the party’s ability to govern safely.

Polanski rejected the notion that his policies are radical, citing economic pressures on ordinary families, including stagnant wages, rising bills, and difficulty accessing NHS services.

But even framed in this broader context, legalising Class A drugs is going to be a hard sell to the average voter.

The practicalities also matter. Legalising substances like heroin or crack would require detailed plans for regulation, addiction treatment, and public safety.

Without that, critics will argue it is naive or reckless, undermining the party’s credibility.

This reveals a deeper strategic dilemma.

Polanski’s “eco-populist” image energises core activists but risks alienating crossover voters crucial to the Green Party’s success in traditionally Conservative areas.

It is a classic clash of radical credibility versus pragmatic vote-winning.

But there are middle-ground options: focusing on harm reduction, regulated prescription use, or separating recreational effects from harm—as seen in Portugal or US cannabis programmes—could win public support without appearing reckless.

Polanski has set ambitious targets for the next general election, hoping to win 30–40 seats, particularly around Brighton Pavilion.

But whether voters in the South East will embrace a full-drug-legalisation agenda remains highly uncertain.

Boldness is part of Polanski’s appeal—but when it comes to drugs, the Green Party’s electoral chances may have just gone up in smoke.

Share this post: