Cannabis classification
Thursday, 03 Apr 2008 15:46
Cannabis has been linked with mental health problems
Should cannabis be reclassified from a class C to a class B drug?
That is the issue raised ahead of an official report on the issue by the government's drugs advisors.
The BBC claims the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is set to advise that cannabis remains a class C drug.
This goes against the apparent wishes of the prime minister, who has expressed concern at the stronger forms of the drug becoming available and the negative health effects of smoking cannabis.
Cannabis was downgraded from a class B drug in January 2004, reducing the maximum penalty for possession from five years to two years imprisonment.
Health campaigners are calling for more resources to ensure people are aware of the side effects of cannabis and police chiefs have support reclassifying the drug to send a clear message that it is both illegal and dangerous.
The ACMD's report will be presented to the home secretary on April 28th, after which the government will make a decision on its classification.
inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comment on the issue throughout the day.