Pubdate: Wed, 24 Oct 2001
Source: Orange County Register (CA)
Copyright: 2001 The Orange County Register
Contact:  http://www.ocregister.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/321
Author: Associated Press

BRITISH OFFICIAL WANTS MARIJUANA LAWS RELAXED

LONDON -- Britain's marijuana laws should be relaxed to give police more 
time to battle harder drugs, the nation's top law-enforcement official said 
Tuesday.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said reclassifying marijuana, or cannabis, as 
a "Class C" drug - putting it in the same category as anabolic steroids - 
would not be the same as decriminalization or legalization. However, such a 
change means that those possessing marijuana would not be subject to arrest.

"Cannabis would remain a controlled drug and using it a criminal offense 
... but it would make clearer the distinction between cannabis and Class A 
drugs like heroin and cocaine," Blunkett told a House of Commons committee 
meeting.

Blunkett's statement comes amid an intensifying political debate about 
marijuana. Senior figures from all three major political parties have urged 
a review of cannabis laws.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens called the proposal a 
reflection of changing police and public attitudes.

A leading researcher in the potential use of marijuana for medical 
treatment praised the proposal.

Dr. John Zajicek, who is doing clinical trials with cannabis to treat 
multiple sclerosis, said a loosening of the law could aid MS sufferers.
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