Classification system to be reviewed as cannabis remains Class C

Charles Clarke announced a shake-up in the drug classification system when he told the House of Commons last week that there will be no reclassification of cannabis following a review by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).

The decision not to reclassify the drug from Class C to Class B was made despite ACMD’s report declaring its use can lead to a wide range of physical and psychological harms and hazards, and against the backdrop of increased fears about the message sent out two years ago when its classification was lowered. He also said the level at which someone found possessing cannabis is considered a dealer will also be revised downwards.

The Home Secretary ordered the review following reports, issued since the ACMD’s last review into cannabis in 2002, showing strong links with serious mental illness.

The Home Secretary told Parliament: “I have considered very carefully the advice which I have received from many sources. I am influenced by data on levels of use of the drug and evidence that cannabis use has fallen among 16-24 year olds, from 28 per cent in 1998 to less than 24 per cent last year. The preliminary assessment is that, contrary to my personal expectation, reclassification has not led to an increase in use. Moreover I accept the view of the Advisory Council that further research on the mental health implications is needed before any decision to reclassify is made.

“Whilst I shall keep this matter under close review in light of the factors which I have mentioned, I have decided to accept the Advisory Council’s recommendation, which is supported by the police and by most drugs and mental health charities, to keep the current classification of cannabis.”

The Home Secretary said the Council’s report had reached a number of important conclusions, finding that:

• Cannabis is harmful and that its use can lead to a wide range of physical and psychological harms and hazards.

• The mental health effects of cannabis are real and significant.

• Cannabis is potentially harmful with short-term risks to physical health.

• A substantial research programme into the relationship between cannabis and mental health should be instituted.

• The Government ought to seek to reduce the use of cannabis

• The cultivation, supply and possession of cannabis should remain illegal.

The research also highlighted that the level of classification is only one amongst the issues to be addressed and that priority needs to be given to proper enforcement of the law, to education and to campaigning against the use of cannabis.

The Home Secretary said that the Council recommended a substantial Government education campaign, strengthened medical services for those dependent on cannabis and greater protection for those with pre-existing mental conditions that place them at particular risk from cannabis use. The Council also proposed further research to improve understanding of the mental health implications of cannabis use.

Mr Clarke told MPs: “I have discussed these recommendations with my colleagues, the Secretaries of State for Education and Health, and we have agreed to accept and implement them energetically.

“In so doing we accept that the use of cannabis significantly increases the chances of developing chronic bronchitis and poses a potential lung cancer risk. We accept the growing body of research which suggests that cannabis may exacerbate or even trigger a range of serious mental health problems including schizophrenia. In the words of the ACMD report, ‘the mental health effects of cannabis are real and significant’.

“In summary cannabis is anything but harmless.”

Mr Clarke said that this was why possession of cannabis would remain punishable by up to two years in prison, and why the Government strongly opposed proposals to legalise the drug. He announced a “massive programme of public education”, to convey the danger of cannabis use, through the FRANK media campaign and other channels.

“The campaign, delivered in partnership with the police, will publicise the penalti