Rethink: Decision is wrong

Reclassifying cannabis as a class B drug is wrong as it "goes against all the evidence", the mental health charity Rethink has said.

Paul Corry, director of public affairs at Rethink, said the charity is disappointed with the government's announcement and claims ministers have "bowed to political pressure and chosen a criminal justice rather than health-focused path".

He claimed the reclassification process will be "costly, time-consuming… and a waste of valuable resources".

Rethink says use of cannabis has gone down since it was downgraded to class C in 2004 and its research has found that only three per cent of users would consider stopping on the grounds of the drug's legal classification.

Mr Corry welcomed the announcement that the government would launch a public health campaign but said he is concerned at the lack of detail around funding.

"We have been here before and been disappointed before. If this commitment is to be seen as more than just rhetoric we need money and action now," he explained.

"We also welcome the plans to amend the misuse of drugs legislation so that there are heavier penalties for dealers who target psychiatric institutions."

Mr Corry continued: "We all want to see fewer people using cannabis, but the best way to achieve that is through a health information campaign backed up by mental health warnings on rolling papers used for cannabis.

"As the government has said, it is unacceptable for cannabis use to be glamorised in any way. It is our belief that health warnings similar to those printed on tobacco products would go some way to persuading users to quit."