Pubdate: Sun, 18 Nov 2001
Source: Daily Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2001 Telegraph Group Limited
Contact:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/114
Author: David Bamber, Home Affairs Correspondent
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

MINISTERS ADVISED TO LEGALISE CANNABIS CAFES

THE Government's senior advisers on drugs will recommend this week that 
legalising cannabis and selling it through a network of licensed cafes 
would end many problems associated with its use.

A report is to be released on Tuesday by Drugscope, which is part of the 
Government's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs - the body which 
advises ministers on drugs policy.

It will say that Amsterdam-style drugs cafes would cut deaths and reduce 
the health problems associated with all drug use. The cafes would also, the 
report states, destroy the link between cannabis and hard drugs such as 
cocaine and heroin.

Drugscope's experts believe that the battle to stamp out cannabis use can 
never be won.

Their report has already caused concern to ministers because it suggests 
going much further than the intentions already announced by David Blunkett, 
the Home Secretary, to downgrade the classification of cannabis and stop 
police arresting people found with a small amount of the drug.

The report, which was written by Mike Ashton, the editor of the scientific 
journal Drug and Alcohol Findings, says: "More liberal policies towards the 
possession and use of small quantities of cannabis do not seem to have 
increased cannabis use.

"Regulation may also break the linkage between cannabis and other illegal 
drugs, thereby disrupting the link between the cannabis market and the 
market for other illegal drugs.

The probability of progression on to other illicit substances may therefore 
lessen. It is also reasonable to assume that following regulation, cannabis 
may replace alcohol as the drug of choice among a segment of society.

"Should this occur, then the total damage to individuals and society may 
possibly be less, as the medical and social risks of alcohol have been 
shown to outweigh those of cannabis."

The report examines six options for future Government policy, ranging from 
complete prohibition to giving the drug away free.

Oliver Letwin, the shadow home secretary, said that the Tories would oppose 
the creation of legalised drug cafes. He said: "This idea sounds bizarre, I 
cannot anticipate the Conservative Party backing this proposal."

A Home Office spokesman said: "Mr. Blunkett has already said that there 
will be a review of policy towards cannabis and indicated it could be 
reclassified. The results of the review have not been decided."
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