Pubdate: Sun, 25 Sep 2005
Source: Independent on Sunday (UK)
Contact:  Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd.
Website: http://www.independent.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/208
Author: Sophie Goodchild, Home Affairs Correspondent
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)

EXPERTS SAY CANNABIS SHOULD STAY CLASS C DESPITE MENTAL HEALTH FEARS

Drug experts will advise ministers that there should be no reversal of
the downgrading of cannabis from a class B to a class C drug following
claims that it is linked with mental illness.

Members of the Advisory Council on Drugs (ACMD) are understood to have
ruled out a change after hearing evidence from cannabis users as well
as police and drugs charities.

The ACMD met yesterday and on Friday in response to a request from
Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, to reassess the dangers of the
drug. This followed the recent publication of studies which associated
cannabis with "psychotic" symptoms.

The drug advisers were also asked to provide guidance on a higher
classification for skunk - a more potent form of cannabis - but it is
understood that members of the ACMD think this would be unworkable.

Most cases of cannabis possession are now non-arrestable offences, but
research published next year is likely to show some police forces are
continuing to take a hard line against users.

A source close to the ACMD said: "The feeling is that the committee
has given thorough consideration to all the research on the health
risks of cannabis and that reclassification is not necessary."

However, this does not rule out a rethink. Mr Clarke has indicated he
still may reverse the decision of David Blunkett, the previous Home
Secretary, to make cannabis a class C drug even if the ACMD advises
him against this.
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MAP posted-by: Derek