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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Reclassification Of Cannabis Not Good Enough
Press Release LCA
Monday 22 Oct 2001 On Tuesday 23 October, Home Secretary David Blunkett stated before the Home Affairs Committee looking at the present government's drugs policy, that cannabis should be classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, instead of as a Class B drug as at present. This will result in lower sentences for possession and supply offences and small scale possession may not result arrest but a summons to appear in court may follow the confiscation of the cannabis. The Legalise Cannabis Alliance (LCA) is opposed to the inclusion of cannabis within the Misuse of drugs Act 1971 and calls for the full legalisation of cannabis including consumer protection and taxation on profits. Alun Buffry, National Coordinator and Nominating Officer of the LCA said: "Whilst the prospect of reduced sentences for cannabis users and suppliers under David Blunkett's proposals to reclassify cannabis as a Class C drug may be welcomed, it will do little to solve the problems created by the prohibition of cannabis. "Cannabis possession will remain a criminal offence and there will be no legal supply. This may increase potential profits for illegal suppliers who may also tempt buyers into trying hard drugs. "Legalisation could separate cannabis from hard drugs, ensure supplies are clean, and enable taxation on profits. Most of the problems associated with cannabis use result from impurities of from other drugs sold by the same suppliers. We want to stop that. "In addition, legalisation would enable cannabis to be legally used in ways that many people find beneficial - from relief of pain or symptoms of MS and other dreadful ailments, to general relaxation. That could potentially help many millions of people who could grow their own medicines at home! "Cannabis crimes are victimless crimes. The cultivation, possession and even the supply of pure cannabis are not hurtful or malicious acts and people ought not to be punished. Anyone who needs help should be referred to doctors or psychiatrists, not policemen and lawyers." Alun Buffry will be presenting oral evidence before the Home Affairs Committee on November 6th, along with Roger-Warren Evans from Liberty, and Danny Kushlick of TRANSFORM, and others. NOTES FOR EDITORS Contact number for Alun Buffry: Tel: 01603 442215 Alun Buffry represented the LCA in the general election in Norwich South, polling 1.6% of the vote. Alun Buffry spoke last week (16th Oct) at the Oxford Union debate in support of the motion: "This House would legalise cannabis", alongside Peter Lilley MP, Jon Owen Jones MP and Professor of Pharmacology Leslie Iversen. The motion was won by 193 - 125. The Legalise Cannabis Alliance (LCA) was formed as a UK political party in March 1999. The LCA fielded candidates in the Kensington and Chelsea, and Romsey by-elections and 13 in the 2001 General Election. There have been 15 local election seats contested. TRANSFORM is an organisation calling for a reform of UK drug laws.
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