Pubdate: Sun, 13 Jan 2002
Source: Scotland On Sunday (UK)
Copyright: 2002 The Scotsman Publications Ltd.
Contact:  scotlandonsunday.com
Website: http://www.scotlandonsunday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/405
Author: Liam McDougall, Home Affairs Correspondent
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

NO EASING OF CANNABIS LEGISLATION IN SCOTLAND

Cannabis possession will remain an arrestable offence in Scotland, despite 
a change to the law which will mean people in England face only a fine.

Proposed reclassification of the drug from Class B to Class C was supposed 
to make possession a minor offence across the UK. But Scotland on Sunday 
can reveal that differences in the law north and south of the Border mean 
anyone caught with the drug in Scotland can still be arrested.

In London, a pilot scheme in which police took a more 'relaxed' attitude to 
possession of cannabis was considered a complete success and is shortly to 
be extended. It is widely expected that the Home Secretary, David Blunkett 
- - who has been impressed by such schemes - will act to have the drug 
reclassified by the spring.

However, under section 14 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, 
police will still have the power of arrest over cannabis users.

The legal loophole in Scotland has been condemned by cannabis campaigners, 
and police officers warn that there is widespread confusion over the issue.

One officer said: "We are being put in a difficult position. Officers are 
now being asked to make some very serious decisions without really knowing 
what is the right thing to do. Should these people be arrested or should 
they not? How much do they need to have in their possession before we 
arrest them?"

The loophole could halt high-profile plans for a cannabis cafe in Edinburgh 
which was to be launched to take advantage of Blunkett's softening stance 
on the drug.

Kevin Williamson, the Edinburgh-based publisher who discovered Irvine 
Welsh, author of Trainspotting, wanted to open a cannabis cafe this summer. 
Billed as an "urban retreat" where cannabis users would be able to relax in 
a "culturally stimulating environment" the cafe plan has been welcomed by 
local shop owners who believe it will boost tourism.
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MAP posted-by: Beth