Pubdate: Mon, 19 Jan 2004
Source: Daily Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2004 Telegraph Group Limited
Contact:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/114
Author: Benedict Brogan
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

UKP1M CAMPAIGN TO EXPLAIN DRUG LAWS

The Government is to spend UKP1 million on a campaign to remind people that 
cannabis remains illegal, despite next week's reclassification of the drug 
from class B to class C.

Millions of leaflets will be distributed from Thursday, a week before the 
change relaxing the cannabis law comes into effect. The message will also 
be spread through advertisements.

The campaign will warn that the drug is harmful, amid growing concern that 
prolonged use of cannabis is linked to mental illness.

The Association of Chief Police Officers and Frank, a Government-backed 
drug advisory group, will run the initiative which is funded by the Home 
Office.

Caroline Flint, the Home Office minister responsible for drugs policy, 
said: "Cannabis is harmful and will remain illegal after January 29, when 
it is reclassified to class C. That is the message. Cannabis remains 
illegal and under-18s will still be arrested for possession."

The majority of people found in possession of small amounts of cannabis 
will no longer be arrested, but will be given a caution and the drugs 
confiscated.

Those arrested may still face prosecution or conviction, or a formal 
caution, both of which leave a criminal record. People under 18 found in 
possession will receive a formal warning.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom