UK: West takes softer line on world's favourite drug

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Tim Moore

The Times

Tuesday 02 Sep 2003

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CANNABIS is the most widely produced, smuggled and consumed illegal drug in
the world. Of the 200 million people estimated by the United Nations Office
on Drugs and Crime to consume illicit drugs, 163 million take cannabis.

Cannabis accounts for 95 per cent of all illicit drugs used by students in
Europe. The growth in its use has long been far greater than for any other
illegal drug. Despite its popularity, its regulation varies widely between
countries. The supply of cannabis carries the death penalty in Saudi
Arabia, Pakistan and Iran, but is subject to tentative legalisation in
parts of Europe. It is this that accounts for Europe's low cannabis seizure
level, which stands at 4 per cent of global seizures in comparison with
North America's 54 per cent.

In Belgium those over 18 are allowed to carry up to 5 grams of cannabis for
personal use. In the Netherlands it is sold in licensed coffee shops. In
Portugal, Spain and Italy, use is not a criminal offence and Switzerland
may soon begin government-regulated commercial production. In Lambeth,
South London, police officers were instructed to issue cautions for
possession of the drug rather than arrests.

Cannabis is widely available in Morocco and is used as a hair lotion in
Cameroon.

In Britain it is rated as a Class B drug and its use is punishable by up to
five years in prison.

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