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See other news storiesGovernment Crackdown on Cannabis
7 May 2008
Cannabis will be reclassified as a Class B drug, subject to Parliamentary approval, sending a strong message that the drug is harmful and should not be taken, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced today.
Cannabis use has fallen significantly across all age ranges and this is a testament to the success of the previous ten year Drug Strategy. However, the reduction in cannabis use must not be allowed to reverse.
Reclassification reflects the fact that skunk, a much stronger type of the drug, now dominates the cannabis market. It accounts for 81 per cent of cannabis available on our streets compared to just 30 per cent in 2002. The average age of first use is 13 years old 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 the consequences of this "may be serious to their mental health".
Taking effect from early 2009, the reclassification will mean:
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More roubust enforcement against cannabis supply and possession, and those repeatedly caught with the drug will not just receive cannabis warnings;
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A new strategic and targeted approach to tackling cannabis farms and organised criminals behind them;
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Introducing additional aggravating sentencing factors for those caught supplying cannabis and other illegal substances near further and higher educational establishments, mental health institutions and prisons;
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Working with the Association of Chief Police Officers to look at how exisiting legislation and powers can be used to curtail the sale and promotion of cannabis paraphernalia; and
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Updating and refreshing our public information messages on the harm caused by cannabis.
The Home Secretary has asked the Association of Chief Police Officers, working with the Polcie Federation, the Superintendents Association and Criminal Justice Partners, to propose more robust enforcement measures for policing cannabis as a Class B drug. This will make clear that penalties for adults must be escalated following cannabis warning and that police officers will not be precluded from arresting for a first offence.
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 accumlating evidence, reflected in the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs report, showing that the use of stronger cannabis may increase the harm to mental health. Some young people may be 'binge smoking' to achieve maximum possible intoxication which may be very serious to their 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 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"
Cannabis use has fallen across all ages in recent yuears. However, the increasing potency and availability of stronger strains, known as skunk, which now makes up 81 per cent pf the cannabis sold in the UK, poses a real threat to the health of those who use it.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said
"The message has always been that cannabis is harmful and illegal drug and should not be used. We are determined to ensure that young people in particular are well aware of the risks. Our multi-media 'FRANK' campaign will ensure taht 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 persistant 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.'
'We also know parents are concerned about the recent trends towards the use of stronger strains of cannabis by young people and the potential for significant mental health problems that would severely impact on a young person's future.
The Government will continue to educate on the danger of cannabis and other illegal substances through successful public education campaigns, such as the multi-media FRANK campaign, education and where required treatment.
The Home Office today also published responses to cannabis questions that were in "Drugs: Our Community, Your Say" and a study on the potency of cannabis.
