Govt: We must act

There is a "compelling case" to strengthen action against the use of cannabis, the home secretary has urged.

Announcing the reclassification of cannabis from a class B to a class C drug, Jacqui Smith said she makes "no apology for erring on the side of caution".

She said there is "accumulating evidence… that the use of stronger cannabis may increase the harm to mental health" and claimed reclassification is needed to protect the health of future generations.

"Some young people may be 'binge smoking' to achieve maximum possible intoxication which may be very serious to their mental health," Ms Smith added.

Police action will reflect the danger the drug poses to individuals and communities, the home secretary announced, including "tough punishment" for people who are repeatedly caught with cannabis.

"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," Ms Smith said.

Health secretary Alan Johnson added: "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."