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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Addicts Prompt U-Turn In Hard-Line Drug Campaign
Sunday Mail
Sunday 03 Mar 2002 SCOTLAND'S hardline anti-drugs message is to be toned down - on the advice of addicts. They and drug experts have persuaded the Scottish Executive that shock tactics do not work. Now the "Just Say No" message is to be replaced by a softer approach after users on some of Scotland's most drug-ravaged housing estates were interviewed by advertising consultants drafting the new information campaign The imminent Executive initiative emerged yesterday just days after the parents of addict Rachel Whitear released traumatic photographs of her dead body in a bid to frighten youngsters off drugs. Alistair Ramsay, of Scotland Against Drugs - who previously piloted hardline adverts warning that all drug use can lead to death and disability - believes realistic advice and education is the way ahead. He said: "This is a major step forward." Ramsay applauded the Executive's new approach, especially their willingness to consult those they are seeking to help. Details of the new drugs communication strategy are still under wraps. But it is anticipated that a TV, newspaper and billboard campaign costing hundreds of thousands of pounds will be launched. In the past, the Executive have been accused of squandering money on the "Just Say No" campaign. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard are considering on-the-spot fines for cannabis possession as an alternative to the "softly-softly" approach being pioneered in Brixton, where those caught in possession of small amounts of the drug are let off with a reprimand. The Metropolitan Police and Home Secretary David Blunkett are studying the trial scheme, which aims to free officers to tackle dealers in hard drugs.
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