[THS] U.K. Home Office statement why Cannabis should be reclassified

[Peter Webster]

Home Office statement why Cannabis should be reclassified

7 May 2008

Cannabis should be reclassified

In a statement to Parliament, the Home Secretary said she believed problems
related to cannabis use are serious enough that it should be reclassified
into Class B.

The decision reflects the fact that skunk, a much stronger version of the
drug, now dominates the UK's cannabis market.

Skunk swept other, less potent, forms of cannabis off the market, and now
accounts for 81% of cannabis available on our streets, compared to just 30%
in 2002.

Targeting the young

It's a drug that targets young people. The average age at which users first
try skunk is 13, and young people may 'binge' on skunk in the same way as
alcohol, trying to achieve the maximum effect.

If they do, the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs found
that this can seriously impact their mental health.

If approved by Parliament, reclassification would take effect from early
2009.
Key facts

The change would mean:

* more robust enforcement against cannabis supply and possession - those
repeatedly caught with the drug will not just receive cannabis warnings
* a new strategic and targeted approach to tackling cannabis farms and the
organised criminals who run them
* the introduction of additional aggravating sentencing factors for those
caught supplying cannabis near further and higher educational
establishments, mental health institutions and prisons
* possible changes to legislation and powers used to curtail the sale and
promotion of cannabis paraphernalia

Stronger enforcement of the law

The Home Secretary has asked the Association of Chief Police Officers to
propose stronger enforcement measures for policing cannabis.

These rules should make it clear that penalties for adults must be more
strict, and that officers should not be prevented from arresting people for
breaking the cannabis laws, even if it is their first offence.
Home Secretary's statement

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said, 'Cannabis is and always has been illegal.
It now dominates the illegal drugs market in the UK and is stronger than
ever before.

'There is accumulating evidence, reflected in the Advisory Council on the
Misuse of Drugs report (new window), showing that the use of stronger
cannabis may increase the harm to mental health.

'I make no apology for erring on the side of caution and upgrading its
classification. There is a compelling case to act now rather than risk the
health of future generations.

“The enforcement response must reflect the danger that the drug poses to
individuals, and, in turn, to communities. Those who are repeatedly caught
with cannabis must face tough punishment, and that is why I have asked the
Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to propose more robust
enforcement measures to reflect re-classification.

'It is also important that the organised criminals behind the growing threat
of cannabis farms feel the full force of the law, and that we use every
opportunity and means to disrupt their activities so that the UK becomes a
high risk place for them to operate.

'I also want to see more action against the trade in cannabis paraphernalia
and will work with ACPO to look at how existing legislation and powers can
be used by the police, local authorities and other partners to curtail the
sale and promotion of these items.'
Protecting young people

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said, 'We are determined to ensure that young
people in particular are well aware of all the risks. Our multi-media
'FRANK' campaign (new window) will ensure that this is the case.'

Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls said,
'Cannabis use by young people has been falling over recent years but remains
a persistent problem.

'The reclassification sends the right message to young people about the
risks from cannabis use ­ this is especially important given its increased
strength and the heightened risk to young people.'

Source:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news/cannabis-reclassified