The Virgin tycoon claimed it was the only way to end a “failed” global 40-year war against narcotics gangs which has cost £1.5trillion.
Sir Richard Branson has urged David Cameron and other world leaders to decriminalise all drugs.
The Virgin tycoon claimed it was the only way to end a “failed” global 40-year war against narcotics gangs which has cost £1.5trillion.
Sir Richard, 62, said addicts needed help not prison.
Speaking at the premiere of documentary movie Breaking the Taboo in London last night, he said: “The war on drugs has been a failure.
“Consumption has gone up over the last six years.
“As a businessman, if you’ve got a failed business for two or three years you change course, you don’t just carry on.
"The consequences of this failed war have been tens of thousands of deaths, 300 million dollars a year going into the underworld, and hundreds of thousands of people being put into prison or even executed for taking drugs.
“I don’t think anybody should be put in prison for taking any drug. If somebody takes a drug they should be helped.”
