Cannabis reclassification

The government has gone against the advice of experts and decided to reclassify cannabis over fears about its impact on people's health.

In January 2004 the government downgraded cannabis from a class B to a class C drug.

But after Gordon Brown became prime minister last summer he stated his concerns about the stronger forms of cannabis becoming available and the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) was asked to review the drug.

In its report to the government the ACMD said cannabis should remain class C as it is judged to be less harmful to people's health than drugs currently categorised as class B.

The report added that while cannabis should remain class C, significant efforts should be made by the government to develop a public health strategy to raise awareness of the potential health impacts of the drug.

Despite this advice, home secretary Jacqui Smith told the House of Commons she was not prepared to "wait and see" what the long-term effects of cannabis are and announced the government would reclassify the drug to class B.

Although some campaigners have welcomed the decision, others say cannabis is being used as a political issue and the real focus should be on improving awareness of the impact of using it.

inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comment on the issue throughout the day.