Cannabis goes back to Class B despite drug experts’ verdict

To view the original article Click Here

Title – Cannabis goes back to Class B despite drug experts’ verdict
Source – The Times
Date – 8th May 2008

So it has finally been decided Cannabis is going to be reclassified again back to a Class B drug, on the same level as amphetamines (speed non-injected), barbiturates etc. The reason, well that is because the government wants to send out a clear message; but what is that message?

Cannabis is being reclassified to a class B drug, because we are being told that it’s effects are dangerous that it causes a higher risk of schizophrenia; yet cannabis use has increased in use over the past 5 years but schizophrenia rates have declined. But the government is concerned that the rise of ‘skunk’ could cause an increase in the harmful effects of the drug, yet their panel of experts who spent months looking into its effects, recommended it remain class C. Who are people going to believe experts or government?

But as a class B drug there are greater penalties for use and for dealing, so there will be the deterrent. But it will not be reclassified until 2009, so users and dealers have a nice long grace period. The penalties for possession of a class B drug are up to 5 years imprisonment. But already we are being told that although the punishment will potentially be harsher, in effect they will not be and people will be given a slightly harder slap on the wrist, possibly a penalty notice on a second offence and possibly prosecution on the third offence…deterrent?

More astonishing then this the Home secretary is quoted as saying she ‘is not prepared to risk the future health of young people’, yet at the same time is saying that under 18’s will not be treated any more harshly then they are at present (while cannabis is a class C drug) to avoid criminalising them. Hold on a second… the main reason given for reclassification is to protect young people, yet the reclassification presents them with no stronger a deterrent then it is currently…?

So will dealers be treated more harshly and is that a benefit? Certainly that is true, but there were already severe penalties in place for Class drug C dealers and it is debateable if the reclassification is going to put off any serious drug dealers, even though longer sentences, should they be given, will keep them off the streets a little longer.

Just out of interest those people that smoke ‘regular cannabis’ and not ‘skunk’ are they safe from the effects of this drug; the impression given is that this whole process is being done to put deal with ‘skunk’ users?

So to conclude: Cannabis is being reclassified but not for a while. It is being reclassified because some of it is a danger to health beyond that indicated by a class C status according to those government ministers with their business degrees; even though the best scientists in the country were asked and did not entirely agree. The reclassification will result in tougher punishment but it probably will not be enforced; unless you are under 18 in which case the status quo remains. Is that all clear?

I’m not saying that reclassification is not merited, cannabis is a drug, it undoubtedly has negative health effects and leads to social degradation in certain parts of our society. There is a very strong argument that it acts as a ‘gateway’ drug. Basically our society would be better off if less people used cannabis, but it does seem that the government have got the message very badly wrong, if it was confused before, who knows what users think now, especially after they have had a joint.

But I should not be flippant in this. I just want to point out that the important thing has always been to understand the simple facts. Cannabis is and always has been illegal. Possession is illegal. Cannabis is bad for you and is potentially the start of a very slippery slope and cannabis is an illegal drug. We need to educate people with the facts and not cloud them in political points scoring, because politics already turns young people off. If the Home Secretary really thinks she can connect with young people on this subject, there is an argument that she is too close to the subject and is clouded by its effects….

For those working in the licensed retail sector, the security industry or any role where they have face to face contact with the public, they need to understand the basics about the effects of drugs, the signs and symptoms and how to deal proactively to stamp out the use of drugs in their area of responsibility and how to deal with persons who may be under the influence of illegal drugs. Our training can help you see past the headlines and see the facts clearly.

At Beyond the Blue we run many courses that cover these concerns including the National Certificate for Licensees – Drug Awareness (NCLDA), the National Certificate for Door Supervisors (NCDS), Conflict Management & Resolution courses (CMR) and run bespoke Drugs Awareness courses for clients with specific needs.


Please visit Our website at http://www.btbl.co.uk/