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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Blunkett Criticised Over Cannabis Possession Law
Ananova
Saturday 30 Nov 2002 David Blunkett has been accused of sending out mixed signals over the law on cannabis after it emerged that despite the drug's downgrading, anyone in possession could still face arrest. Under the reclassification of cannabis from Class B to C, announced by the Home Secretary last year, the drug will remain illegal but anyone caught with small amounts is unlikely to face serious consequences. At the time Mr Blunkett said the move would allow greater focus on Class A drugs such as heroin and cocaine but under the new Criminal Justice Bill, individuals caught with Class C drugs could be arrested in certain circumstances. Home Office notes explaining the provisions of the Bill read: "This change in the law would mean that police would retain their power of arrest for possession of cannabis after the proposed reclassification of the drug from Class B to Class C." The Criminal Justice Bill to be debated by MPs in the Commons next week also proposes that the maximum penalty for trafficking a Class C drug will rise from five years' imprisonment to 14 years'. The Liberal Democrats say ministers are "in danger of creating a muddle" over drugs law and say they will challenge the measure during its passage through Parliament. Roger Howard, chief executive for the drugs charity DrugScope, said: "This about-face makes a mockery of reclassification. "Instead of focusing on Class A drugs, saving police time and producing a more logical drugs policy, the small print of this Bill means that the law will be more severe and more confused than ever." A Home Office spokeswoman said the Association of Chief Police Officers will be bringing out a guide on the new laws, adding: "It is critical that the police retain the power of arrest to deal with cannabis possession linked to aggravated behaviour that threatens public disorder. "In the majority of cases, however, officers will issue a warning and seize the drugs."
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