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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Cannabis reclassification will support focus on hard drugs
10 Downing Street Press Release
Friday 12 Sep 2003 Steps to reclassify cannabis as a Class C drug moved a step closer today as the Home Secretary David Blunkett underlined Government support for police strategies to combat the most harmful drugs. If approved by Parliament, cannabis will be reclassified in January. It will remain illegal, but the reclassification will enable police to target hard drugs like heroin and crack/cocaine which cause the most harm to users, their families and communities. "The Government is determined to support the police in tackling the problem of drug abuse with an effective and realistic approach," said the Home Secretary. The decision to reclassify cannabis follows the advice of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. This is a body of scientific and medical experts who advised that cannabis is harmful, but less harmful than other Class B drugs like amphetamines. Guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers says that after reclassification, most offences of cannabis possession by adults will result in a police warning and confiscation of the drug. There will be a presumption against arrest, except where public order is at risk or where children are vulnerable. The maximum penalty for the supply of or possession with intent to supply cannabis will stay at its current level of 14 years. The Home Secretary said that the proposal is just one part of an updated drugs strategy which is seeing investment in tackling drugs increase by half a billion pounds over the next three years. The Government also announced plans this week to pilot a new drug education programme in schools.
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