The UK's war on drugs is failing – mainly because there is "no obvious link" between harsh drug laws and curbing levels of consumption. 

In a somewhat embarassing development for the government, a Home Office report found "no apparent correlation between the 'toughness' of a country's approach and the prevalence of adult drugs use".

In fact, the study – the first government evidence-based review of drugs policy – even suggested that "there are indications that decriminalisation can reduce the burden on criminal justice systems".

The report also suggests that possession of drugs as a health (as opposed to criminal) issue reduces HIV infection rates and the number of drug deaths without affecting addiction levels. 

A spokesperson for Transform, a group which has lobbied for drugs legalisation in the UK for almost 20 years, said that the report "shows what everyone in drug policy has known for some time: that harsh penalties don’t necessarily means low levels of use."

He added: "There is a possibility that we might see some kind of progressive reform. There are signs that the climate of opinion among politicians is changing. A lot of that is due to the fact that various countries around the world are starting to implement progressive drugs policy – like Uruguay, which is currently legalising cananbis."

The government says that it has "no intention" of decriminalising drugs, although Nick Clegg has openly called for a evidence-based review of drugs policy. 

Meanwhile, Americans in states that have legalised marijuana continue to enjoy BYO weed concerts and cannabis-infused lubricants. 

Head here for more of our coverage on drugs.