Pubdate: Mon, 04 Feb 2008 Source: Daily Telegraph (UK) Copyright: 2008 Telegraph Group Limited Contact: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/114 Author: James Kirkup, Political Correspondent Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom) MAKE CANNABIS CLASS B, SAY CAMPAIGNERS The penalties for possessing cannabis must be increased to save a generation of young people from lasting psychological damage, a Government review of the drug's status will be told on Tuesday. Mental health campaigners will urge the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to restore cannabis to class B, prompted by the harm inflicted on young people by new high-strength strains of "skunk" cannabis. The Daily Telegraph revealed last month that the NHS is treating almost 500 adults and children every week for the effects of cannabis. advertisement Numbers have risen sharply since 2004 when ministers downgraded cannabis to a class C drug, possession of which can lead to a two-year jail sentence, but is rarely deemed serious enough for charges. People found in possession of class B drugs can face a five-year jail term and an unlimited fine. Debra Bell, who will address the committee on behalf of the Talking About Cannabis Parental Action Group, said: "Skunk cannabis is one of the evils of our time. "I'm not talking about it just being a gateway drug; it is dangerous in itself." The committee is expected to make a recommendation to Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, in April. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake