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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Minister cautious over new cannabis laws
Isle Of Man Online
Thursday 11 Jul 2002 Home Affairs Minister Phil Braidwood has voiced caution over the UK Government's decision to re-classify cannabis from class B to C despite the Island's obligation to introduce the new laws here. Under the new classification, possession of the drug will no longer be an arrestable offence in a change that applies automatically in the Island, but Phil Braidwood wants this power of arrest to be maintained here On Wednesday the UK Home Secretary David Blunkett accepted the advice of the home affairs select committee and announced the re-classification. He believes the drugs policy should focus on tackling the problems caused by heroin addicts. But he rejected a recommendation to move Ecstasy from class A to B. Mr Blunkett believes moving cannabis to class C would give his government's drug policy greater credibility among young people and help police direct resources towards heroin and cocaine. But Mr Braidwood has reservations about the move although he emphasised the announcement is only re-classification and not decriminalisation. He said: 'In re-classifying the drug the sentencing for possession is reduced from five to two years and is no longer an arrestable offence. 'That is a concern the constabulary has. We have to follow suit but I would like to retain the option of cannabis possession still being an arrestable offence. 'Under the Police Powers and Procedures Act the police can search a suspect's home once they've been arrested. 'This means the police, who have arrested someone for possession of cannabis, could find a higher classification and larger amount of drugs at the suspect's home which could identify them as a dealer. 'Without this power the police would need to obtain a warrant which could be too late. 'We are also walking a very fine line in deciding whether someone is merely in possession or is dealing. 'I personally have some reservations about Mr Blunkett's announcement.' Amid concern that the move may encourage drug taking, maximum sentences for supplying class C drugs are to be increased from 5 years' to 14 years' to ensure cannabis users don't flout the new rules on possession. Mr Blunkett said the top priority was to tackle class A drugs and the problem drug users whose addiction leads to crime and causes the most harm to themselves, their families and their communities. He will also concentrate resources on education and treatment of drug addiction. There will be a reserve power of arrest for police officers, linked to possession of cannabis, where there is a danger to public order or for the protection of children and dealers who prey on the young will be considered a new aggravated offence. Mr Blunkett said: 'All controlled drugs are harmful and will remain illegal. We must concentrate our efforts on the drugs that cause the most harm, while sending a credible message to young people.' Cannabis-cafes which either supply or allow the use of cannabis on their premises will remain against the law. The new laws come into force next year and will be automatically introduced in the Island. Any proposed amendment by Mr Braidwood to retain the power of arrest would involve a change of primary legislation and could prove a lengthy process.
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