Cannabis conundrum

24 August 2007

A review of cannabis legislation has been called for by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This could mean a reassignment of cannabis to a Class B substance.

This is the third review of cannabis laws in the past six years. It comes in the wake of a number of reports criticising current UK drug legislation.  

Director of drug charity foundation Transform Danny Kushlick views the move as no more than political manoeuvring on the part of a prime minister looking to be re-elected. He said: “Brown is merely waving a flag and telling everyone he is looking after their children. There is no basis for the re-classification of cannabis.”

However, Section Commander for East Bournemouth Police Inspector Mark Kelly welcomes the review. He said: “I think that cannabis being Class C gives the impression that you can get away with it and it doesn’t really matter.”

A cannabis user for almost 10 years, Benjamin Stone believes the government is sending out mixed messages to the public. He said: “There is absolutely nothing wrong with smoking a bit of weed now and again. The government needs to sort it out and legalise it before everyone is in jail.”
 
Cannabis was downgraded to Class C in October 2003.