Richard Branson joined 18 other world leaders Thursday in calling for "fundamental reforms in national and global drug control policies." Comparing pot with tobacco and alcohol, the Virgin Group mogul said there's a "better way of dealing with cannabis... Cannabis could be regulated and it could be taxed."

Branson was seated among a panel of "commissioners" who issued the Report of the Global Commission on Drug Policy at New York's Waldorf Astoria hotel during a crowded press conference. Also in attendance were the former presidents of Colombia, Cesar Gavria, and Brazil, Fernando Henrique Cardosa, and former officials from Germany and Switzerland. Drug Policy Alliance executive director Ethan Nadelmann hosted the event.

"The main point of the commission is to stop locking people up," added Branson, who was accompanied by his son Sam. "It's up to people who have studied this subject to speak out."

In London, Branson's cohorts sent a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron urging him to reconsider the UK's current drugs policy. Signatories include Sting, Dame Judi Dench, Julie Christie and Mike Leigh.

"Giving young people criminal records for minor drug possession serves little purpose," Sting stated separately. "It's time to think of more imaginative ways of addressing drug use."

Photos by Beth Mann

Also see:
Gary Johnson: Marijuana Is Safer Thans Alcohol
The Battle for Medical Marijuana
Medical Marijuana on the Move
More CelebStoner News