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UK: Cannabis 'time bomb'

Jane Wharton

The Stortford Citizen

Monday 16 Feb 2004

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HEADTEACHERS and youth workers have slammed the Government's downgrading of
cannabis, saying it has created "a time bomb waiting to go off".

New legislation has seen cannabis downgraded from a class B drug to class C.

But youth leaders have condemned the decision, stating the changes could
lead to more addicts.

Stortford Outreach and Resettlement Project director Norma Symonds said:
"This is one of the worst moves the Government has ever made. The law is
extremely confusing and I think we will see an increase in addicts and an
increase in people with mental health problems."

The reclassification puts cannabis in the same category as steroids and
anti-depressants. The Government says the change will focus police
attention on the most dangerous drugs and officers can now use their
discretion in deciding whether or not to arrest.

Offenders aged under 18 will always be arrested and people smoking cannabis
in a public place or near young people can also expect to be arrested.

Birchwood High School headteacher Chris Ingate said: "I'm not sure what
messages the Government is giving by doing this. Many students don't
understand the new laws because they're utterly confusing.

"As far as the school is concerned the new legislation will not change our
policy. Anyone caught selling cannabis will be permanently excluded and
anyone in possession of it faces a lengthy suspension."

Doctors have warned that cannabis has been linked to a greater risk of
heart disease, lung cancer, bronchitis, emphysema and a number of mental
health problems. Mrs Symonds said many addicts started off as cannabis
users before moving on to hard drugs.

Detective Superintendent Jeremy Alford, head of crime management for
Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: "It's important to stress that possession
of cannabis remains illegal. However, most offences in the future will be
dealt with by means of a police warning and confiscation.

"This brings with it advantages of freeing officers' time to focus with
even greater effectiveness on class A drugs."

 

 

 

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