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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Decriminalisation dope says MP Salter
Steve Still icBerkshire
Tuesday 18 Nov 2003 A CHANGE in drug laws which means laid back cannabis users can relax even more when they light up has received the backing of a Reading MP. The drug will be officially re-classified from Class B to C on January 29 when police will only be left with four grounds for arresting people for possession. Reading West MP Martin Salter, who wants complete decriminalisation of cannabis, signalled his support of the change but called for a more credible drugs policy. He said: "If we tell young people all drugs are the same and there is no difference between cannabis and heroin, or between cannabis and the evil of crack cocaine, we are doing the young people of this country a great disservice. "There is no conclusive evidence cannabis is a gateway to harder drugs, as has been claimed by some, any more than tobacco or alcohol. "The important thing is our message to young people is believable and targeted on the dangers of all those in sub-stance abuse, and aimed at keeping them away from the drugs that kill." The changes follow recommendations from experts and the Home Affairs Select Committee. But there will be no relaxation of penalties for supplying or dealing in the drug, which will still carry a maximum 14 year prison sentence. Cannabis users will also be arrested for smoking in public view, if caught in possession when they have previous form for carrying it, if they are in an area where there is a drugs problem, or in the vicinity of a school or other building used by youngsters.
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