Pubdate: Tue, 27 Jan 2004
Source: Essex Evening Gazette (UK)
Copyright: 2004 This Is Essex
Contact:  http://www.thisisessex.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1324
Author: Ben Attenborough
Cited: Legalise Cannabis Alliance http://www.lca-uk.org
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Legalise+Cannabis+Alliance

CANNABIS LAW 'CONFUSION' SLAMMED

A CAMPAIGNER for the legalisation of cannabis has criticised the way
the Government has advertised changes to the drug law.

Don Barnard, a member of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance in Braintree,
says the planned reclassification of cannabis has led to mass confusion.

He said: "There is still much confusion on how reclassification will
work, the benefits to be gained, and the relative harms associated
with cannabis use.

The changes in the law are due to come into effect on Thursday, from
then cannabis will still be illegal but it will be downgraded from a
category B to a category C drug.

It will still be an offence to possess, use or deal the drug, but
there will be a "presumption against arrest" of cannabis users. This
would mean people possessing small quantities of the drug will
normally get an formal warning and have the drug removed instead of
facing arrest.  But people found dealing could still be arrested,
especially if found dealing to vulnerable people.

However, Mr Barnard said: "It's an illusion of change. The laws on
cannabis have not been amended.

"Reclassification is a change in sentencing practice not a change in
law," he added.

He believes the prohibition of cannabis has made the situation worse
and is arguing for access to the drug to be regulated rather than prohibited.

"The Legalise Cannabis Alliance strategy would help restrict access to
the young, remove the criminal contact in obtaining cannabis from a
street and introduce quality control." 
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