Pubdate: Fri, 04 Jul 2003
Source: Scotsman (UK)
Copyright: The Scotsman Publications Ltd 2003
Contact:  http://www.scotsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/406
Author: Jason Beattie

DRUGS MINISTER: I TRIED CANNABIS BUT DIDN'T LIKE IT

THE minister responsible for combating drugs in England and Wales has 
admitted that she experimented with cannabis as a student.

Caroline Flint, appointed to her first ministerial job less than a 
fortnight ago, said she tried the drug more than 20 years ago but did not 
enjoy the experience.

The MP also insisted that the drug's illegal status acted as a brake on her 
trying it again.

As minister with responsibility for tackling hard drugs such as cocaine and 
heroin, Ms Flint will also oversee the downgrading of cannabis from Class B 
to Class C next year.

A Home Office spokesman said: "She was chosen because she is the best 
person for the job. Everyone has full confidence in her."

The admission by Ms Flint, 41, the MP for Don Valley, is unlikely to prompt 
a political slanging match, because a sizeable number of the Conservative 
front bench, including the shadow home secretary, Oliver Letwin, have also 
confessed to trying cannabis.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens