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Cannabis cautions soar by 150%

Chris Visser

Lancashire Evening Post

Tuesday 25 Nov 2008

The number of cautions issued for cannabis use in Lancashire has rocketed by 151% in 12 months.

Figures released in Westminster show that there were 528 cannabis warnings issued by Lancashire Police in 2007/08 compared to just 210 the previous year.

The revelation comes after peers spoke out in the House of Lords to support delaying government plans to upgrade cannabis from Class C to Class B after it was opposed by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

Debra Bell, of the Talking About Cannabis group, said she welcomed the rise in police action for cannabis crimes.

Mrs Bell, who is originally from Lancaster, said of the figures: "I'm not surprised. I think the cannabis message has got to go out strongly and having a criminal record is something that can have a serious impact on your life.

"Cannabis is the drug of choice for young teenagers and we have a huge problem across the UK.

"It's reaching epidemic proportions. If government reclassifies the drug, we are hoping more resources are given to police and they will have more confidence.

"Cannabis can have a long-term mental health impact and this is something we need to get across to the public."

Lancashire police say neighbouring forces are issuing more cautions for cannabis offences.

Insp John Clucas, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: "The number of formal warnings issued has increased as we have tightened up our procedures."

Talking of the Lancashire figures, Don Barnard of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance, said: "The police should be spending more time looking for real crime as opposed to busting people for a little bit of dope when they are not doing real harm.

"I find it absolutely horrendous that people are being cautioned like this. I'm quite surprised at the figures when you are hearing from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith that there is no progress.

"I think there are a substantial number of people growing cannabis for medical reasons and they are getting cautions."

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Cannabis-cautions-soar-by-15037.4731259.jp

 

 

 

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