Posts
Gordon Brown today gave his backing for cannabis to be reclassified as a more serious drug later this month in a move that will reverse its downgrading by his predecessor.
At his monthly press conference, the Prime Minister revealed his strong support for reclassifying cannabis as a "class B" rather than "class C" drug. |
Cannabis was controversially downgraded by Tony Blair in a move which is thought to have encouraged greater use among the young.
After becoming Prime Minister last June, Mr Brown ordered a formal review into the classification of cannabis which is due to report later this month.
Today's comments from the Prime Minister suggest he will push ahead with reclassification regardless of what the review concludes.
He said: "I believe that if we are sending out a signal particularly to teenagers, and particularly those at the most vulnerable age, young teenagers, that we in any way find cannabis acceptable, given all that we now know about the changes in the way cannabis is being sold in this country, that is not the right thing to do.
"My personal view has been pretty well known for some time.
"Given the changing nature of the stock of cannabis that is coming into the country and greater damage that that appears to be doing to people who use it, there is a stronger case for sending out a signal that cannabis is not only illegal but it is unacceptable."
Class C drugs include steroids and some prescription anti-depressants.
Possession of them can lead to a two-year prison sentence, but in practice, charges are rarely brought against people found with small quantities of such drugs.
Class B includes more dangerous drugs such as amphetamines.
People found in possession of Class B drugs can face a five-year jail term and an unlimited fine.
No comments:
Post a Comment