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See other news storiesHome Secretary: Cannabis should be reclassified
7 May 2008
In a statement to Parliament, the Home Secretary said she believed problems related to cannabis use are serious enough that it should be reclassified into Class B.
The decision reflects the fact that skunk, a much stronger version of the drug, now dominates the UK's cannabis market.
Skunk swept other, less potent, forms of cannabis off the market, and now accounts for 81% of cannabis available on our streets, compared to just 30% in 2002.
Targeting the young
It's a drug that targets young people. The average age at which users first try skunk is 13, and young people may 'binge' on skunk in the same way they drink alcohol, trying to achieve the maximum effect.
If they do, the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs found that this can seriously impact their mental health.
If approved by Parliament, reclassification would take effect from early 2009.
Key facts
The change would mean:
- more robust enforcement against cannabis supply and possession - those repeatedly caught with the drug will not just receive cannabis warnings
- a new strategic and targeted approach to tackling cannabis farms and the organised criminals who run them
- the introduction of additional aggravating sentencing factors for those caught supplying cannabis near further and higher educational establishments, mental health institutions and prisons
- possible changes to legislation and powers used to curtail the sale and promotion of cannabis paraphernalia
Stronger enforcement of the law
The Home Secretary has asked the Association of Chief Police Officers to propose stronger enforcement measures for policing cannabis.
These rules should make it clear that penalties for adults must be more strict, and that officers should not be prevented from arresting people for breaking the cannabis laws, even if it is their first offence.
Home Secretary's statement
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said, 'Cannabis is and always has been illegal. It now dominates the illegal drugs market in the UK and is stronger than ever before.
'There is accumulating evidence, reflected in the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs report (new window), showing that the use of stronger cannabis may increase the harm to mental health.
'I make no apology for erring on the side of caution and upgrading its classification. There is a compelling case to act now rather than risk the health of future generations.
“The enforcement response must reflect the danger that the drug poses to individuals, and, in turn, to communities. Those who are repeatedly caught with cannabis must face tough punishment, and that is why I have asked the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to propose more robust enforcement measures to reflect re-classification.
'It is also important that the organised criminals behind the growing threat of cannabis farms feel the full force of the law, and that we use every opportunity and means to disrupt their activities so that the UK becomes a high risk place for them to operate.
'I also want to see more action against the trade in cannabis paraphernalia and will work with ACPO to look at how existing legislation and powers can be used by the police, local authorities and other partners to curtail the sale and promotion of these items.'
Protecting young people
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said, 'We are determined to ensure that young people in particular are well aware of all the risks. Our multi-media 'FRANK' campaign (new window) will ensure that this is the case.'
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls said, 'Cannabis use by young people has been falling over recent years but remains a persistent problem.
'The reclassification sends the right message to young people about the risks from cannabis use – this is especially important given its increased strength and the heightened risk to young people.'
