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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Clarke urged to leave cannabis at class C
Daniel Forman ePolitix.com
Wednesday 04 Jan 2006 A leading mental health charity has called on the home secretary to reduce the risk of cannabis, rather than reclassify it. Amid reports that Charles Clarke is considering reversing the government's decision to downgrade the drug from class B to C, the Rethink charity said he should focus resources on the ground rather than "fiddle with its legal status". New evidence has linked cannabis use with "psychotic symptoms". Clarke is expected to announce his response shortly to recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs' latest review. But Rethink said it had written to the home secretary with alternative ideas to reclassification including a new awareness and information campaign, new research and more mental health facilities. "There is a concern that the real risks posed to mental health by cannabis use will translate into a knee-jerk reaction from the Home Office to stiffen penalties," chief executive Cliff Prior said. "We reject that approach, which will only lead to further confusion amongst high-risk groups and could lead to thousands of people being dragged through the courts rather than supported through health and social care. "We want to see Mr Clarke reacting imaginatively by handing responsibility for a huge public information campaign to the Department of Health whilst facing down siren calls to further criminalise users. "We want stiffer penalties for the dealers who prey on people with mental health problems in and around hospitals and community facilities." A Home Office spokesman said: "The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has recently reported to the home secretary. "They have been considering evidence on possible links between cannabis and mental health problems. The home secretary is considering their report and will respond in due course."
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