Pubdate: Sun, 11 Mar 2007
Source: Belfast Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2007 Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/42
Author: Stephen Gordon

MP'S SUPER-GRASS FEARS

Calls for the Government to do a U-turn on cannabis legislation have 
been backed by South Belfast doctor and local MP Alasdair McDonnell.

The DUP's Gregory Campbell and Willie McCrea have joined him in 
pressing Home Secretary John Reid to acknowledge the modern, 
super-strength version of the drug can be "deeply damaging".

The Ulster trio are among 44 MPs who have signed a motion by Tory MP 
Humfry Malins urging the Government to be aware of the dangers of 
cannabis and rethink its controversial 2004 decision to downgrade it 
to a 'class C' drug.

"The majority of class A drug addicts began by experimenting with 
cannabis," Mr Malins claimed.

In January 2004, then-Home Secretary David Blunkett reclassified 
cannabis from class B to class C. Two years later his successor, 
Charles Clarke, resisted pressure to reverse the decision despite 
disturbing evidence. Mr Clarke accepted the drug could trigger 
serious mental illness but pledged a publicity campaign to warn of the dangers.

According to the Home Office, since the reclassification most 
offences of cannabis possession by adults result in a police warning 
on the spot and confiscation of the drug.

There is a presumption against arrest, except where public order is 
at risk, where children are vulnerable or for repeat offenders. Young 
people under 18 are given a formal reprimand or warning at a police station.
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