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UK: Cannabis Downgrade: Reaction

Sky News

Tuesday 23 Oct 2001

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Drug campaigners have given a cautious welcome to the Home Secretary, David
Blunkett's, proposals to relax Britain's cannabis rules.The drug is to be
downgraded from class B to class C and possession of the drug will no
longer be an arrestable offence.

Colin Davis from the Medical Marijuana Co-operative - which supports the
use of cannabis for medicinal reasons - welcomed the reclassification of
the drug.

Decriminalise

He said: "Hopefully it will mean police will not want to waste their time
on those with cannabis."

Pressure group Cannabis Coalition UK said the proposals did not go far
enough and vowed to continue lobbying the Government to decriminalise the
substance.

A spokesman said: "Complete legislation is the only way to ensure the
health of people is safeguarded by making sure that the product is safe."

Their views are shared by former Tory cabinet minister Peter Lilley who
also wants cannabis decriminalised.

Harmful

"They have missed the point," said the politician who thinks the drug
should be sold in licensed outlets.

But Professor John Henry, from St Mary's hospital in London, said cannabis
was harmful and could affect people's ability to manage their lives.

And anti-drugs campaign group Mothers Against Drugs believes the proposals
will lead to more young people taking illegal substances.

 

 

 

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