HOME OFFICE News
Release (094/2008) issued by The Government News Network on 7 May 2008
Cannabis will be
reclassified as a Class B drug, sending a strong message that the
drug is harmful and should not be taken, Home Secretary Jacqui
Smith announced today.
Cannabis use has fallen significantly across all age ranges and
this is a testament to the success of the previous ten year Drug
Strategy. However, the reduction in cannabis use must not be
allowed to reverse.
Reclassification reflects the fact that skunk, a much stronger
type of the drug, now dominates the cannabis market. It accounts
for 81 per cent of cannabis available on our streets compared to
just 30 per cent in 2002. The average age of first use is 13 years
old and young people may binge on skunk in the same way as
alcohol, trying to achieve the maximum effect. If they do, the
independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs found that the
consequences of this "may be serious to their mental health".
Taking effect from early 2009, the reclassification will mean:
* More robust enforcement against cannabis supply and possession,
and 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 behind
them;
* Introducing additional aggravating sentencing factors
for those caught supplying cannabis and other illegal substances
near further and higher educational establishments, mental health
institutions and prisons;
* Working with the Association of
Chief Police Officers to look at how existing legislation and
powers can be used to curtail the sale and promotion of cannabis
paraphernalia; and
* Updating and refreshing our public
information messages on the harm caused by cannabis.
The Home Secretary has asked the Association of Chief Police
Officers, working with the Police Federation, the Superintendents
Association and Criminal Justice Partners, to propose more robust
enforcement measures for policing cannabis as a Class B drug.
This will make clear that penalties for adults must be escalated
following any cannabis warning and that police officers will not
be precluded from arresting for a first offence.
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, showing that the use of
stronger cannabis may increase the harm to mental health. Some
young people may be 'binge smoking' to achieve maximum
possible intoxication which may be very serious to their 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."
Cannabis use has fallen across all ages in recent years. However,
the increasing potency and availability of stronger strains, known
as skunk, which now makes up 81 per cent of the cannabis sold in
the UK, poses a real threat to the health of those who use it.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said:
"The message has always been that cannabis is a harmful and
illegal drug and should not be used. We are determined to ensure
that young people in particular are well aware of all the risks.
Our multi-media 'FRANK' campaign 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.
"We also know parents are concerned about the recent trend
towards the use of stronger strains of cannabis by young people
and the potential for significant mental health problems that
would severely impact on a young person's future."
The Government will continue to educate on the danger of cannabis
and other illegal substances through successful public education
campaigns, such as the multi-media FRANK campaign, education and,
where required, treatment.
The Home Office today also published responses to cannabis
questions that were in "Drugs: Our Community, Your Say"
and a study on the potency of cannabis.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The Prime Minister announced to the House on 18 July 2007 that
the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs would review cannabis
classification in light of concerns about it becoming a stronger drug.
2. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 the Home Office must
consult the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs on drug classification.
3. The report confirms that cannabis poses a real threat to the
health of those who use it since:
* the vast majority of cannabis on the illegal market today is
much stronger than in previous years;
* the average first age
use of cannabis is just 13;
* some young people may
'binge smoke' to achieve maximum possible intoxication
which the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs concludes
'may be very serious to their mental health'; and
*
there is clear evidence that the use of cannabis may worsen the
symptoms of schizophrenia and lead to relapse.
4. Changing a drug's classification means affirmative
resolution debates in both Houses before the new classification is
implemented. Cannabis should become a Class B drug in early 2009.
5. Responses to cannabis questions that were in "Drugs: Our
Community, Your Say" are at
http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/publication-search/cannabis/consultation-response.
These responses were held over so that the ACMD could consider
them in considering the appropriate classification for cannabis.
The cannabis potency study is on the web at http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/publication-search/cannabis/potency
6. The ACMD's full report is at http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs-laws/acmd/.