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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Labour Party back-tracked on a maximum 200 pound fine for Cannabis possession Don Barnard Press Release Sunday 01 Feb 2004 Legalise Cannabis Alliance, News Bulletin 12/04 - No Embargo. Labour Party back-tracked on a maximum 200 pound fine for Cannabis possession. Please forward to any assignment editor or journalist who you believe may be interested in this. -------------------- YESTERDAYS NEWS: I am surprised the following was missed by most or considered not to be newsworthy! 1970 cabinet minutes released on Thursday 29 January 2004 show the original decision to classify illegal drugs into three classes was based on political expediency rather than any scientific assessment of their harm! The 1970 Cabinet minutes record: - The Home Secretary of the time, James Callaghan provoked a revolt by proposing a two-tier system of hard and soft drugs, with cannabis listed as a hard drug, alongside heroin. - most of the cabinet of the time were of the opinion that a sharp distinction between the penalties for possession of cannabis and heroin would discourage users. - The home secretary was asked to consider adding an intermediate category of controlled drugs to which cannabis could be added. - Mr Callaghan conceded and agreed to create an intermediate class B for cannabis, with a maximum 200 pound fine for first offenders. - However, the plans were leaked to the press [the Guardian] which published it under the headline "Cannabis penalties to be eased". - With general election on the horizon Mr Callaghan and the Prime Minister, Harold Wilson were faced with a backlash of public opinion and decided to backed a maximum five-year penalty and an unlimited fine for unlawful possession of cannabis. "This confirms what the Legalise Cannabis Alliance and the pro-cannabis lobby have been saying for years". Said a spokesperson of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance. "Is it possible, we may also be correct the only sensible way forward is a 'legal regulated control' of cannabis". On reclassification, he said: "I will leave the last word to Thomas Jefferson". "A society that will trade a little liberty for a little order will lose both, and deserve neither" Thomas Jefferson. Press Office Legalise Cannabis Alliance PO Box 198, Norwich, NR3 3WB http://www.lca-uk.org donbarnard@lca-uk.org -------------------------------
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