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UK: Study shows link between cannabis and crime
James Slack Daily Mail
Tuesday 21 Feb 2006 More than seven out of 10 teenage criminals have smoked cannabis every day for at least 12 months, a government report has revealed. The study shows for the first time the shocking link between use of the drug and a youngster's chances of ending up behind bars. The Youth Justice Board said that, of the 6,500 individuals who pass through young offender institutions every year, 72 per cent have used cannabis "daily" in the year leading to arrest. The report reignited criticism of Charles Clarke's decision not to re-classify cannabis, which Labour downgraded from Class B to C in 2004. The Conservatives, who said the research proved cannabis was not safe, renewed their demands for it to be regraded. Drug groups said it was clear proof of how cannabis, which no longer even carries an automatic police caution for possession since re-classification, can lead to a life of crime. Youngsters, once they are involved in a drugs culture, turn to crime to get the money to buy cannabis - including super-strength skunk. The drug also stops them caring about breaking the law. Tory home affairs spokesman Edward Garnier said: "This study reinforces the link between cannabis and crime. Evidence like this is just one reason why the Government should reclassify cannabis. "If not, the ongoing confused message will lead some to continue thinking cannabis is a safe, soft drug." Peter Stoker, director of the National Drug Prevention Alliance, said: "It's clear a lot of people are committing crimes once they become involved in the drugs culture. It is to raise money to buy more and it is also because their decision-making has been skewed. "They get rewards from the drug and that becomes the thing they are most interested in, rather than the impact they may be having on other people. They are less inhibited by legal restrictions." The study by the YJB, a government body, is a huge blow to Mr Clarke. In 2005, he ordered a review of his predecessor David Blunkett's decision to downgrade cannabis. Last month, he ruled that, despite alarm over evidence linking the drug to psychosis, it should remain Class C. He promised a huge education programme on its mental health risks. The Home Secretary and his advisers had hoped this would be the end of the matter. Norman Wells, of Family and Youth Concern, said: "The prevalence of cannabis use among young offenders raises serious questions about the Home Secretary's decision not to reverse its downgrading. "There is no doubt that the Government's stance on this issue has given the impression that the use of cannabis is no big deal." The YJB's study says: "Research has shown that young people who offend are more likely to suffer from substance misuse problems." Other figures in the report show 90 per cent of young offenders have used an illegal drug at some point in their life, while 45 per cent have been dependent on a substance at some stage. The purpose of the study is to find ways of cutting the shocking reoffending rate among young criminals, 70 per cent of whom re-offend within 12 months of leaving custody. The YJB proposes a "resettlement strategy". This involves making sure they have accommodation on their release, get any health care they need, and have access to education and training - as well as the maximum in benefits because financial problems can lead them back to crime.
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