Pubdate: Fri,  6 Sep 2002
Source: Yorkshire Evening Press (UK)
Copyright: 2002 Newsquest Media Group
Contact:  http://www.thisisyork.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2146
Author: Paul Robinson
Cited: http://www.acpo.police.uk/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)

CANNABIS MADNESS

DRUG experts in West Yorkshire today condemned plans for police dealing 
with cannabis users to follow a "three spliffs and you're out" rule.

Families who have seen children's lives wrecked by addiction also attacked 
the controversial proposals.

Under the scheme, users stopped once or twice with small amounts of 
cannabis - or even spotted smoking "joints" in the street - will simply 
have their drugs confiscated before being given a warning.

Only people caught three times in a year will face tougher action, such as 
a caution or arrest and charge for possession.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), which has drawn up the 
plans, says the guidelines will free up more resources for the war on hard 
drugs like heroin and crack cocaine.

But today Kristine Smith, of West Yorkshire-based drugs support group 
GASPED, said: "What message is this sending out to young people?

"They know the first two times they get stopped with cannabis, they will be 
dealt with as if they had been caught with cigarettes or alcohol. Surely 
that can't be right?"

Mum Christine Shepherd, whose son Darren, now 27, became hooked on heroin 
after starting to dabble with cannabis at 15, also hit out at the plans.

Mrs Shepherd, from Belle Isle in Leeds, said: "From first-hand experience I 
know just how drugs devastate families.

"I firmly believe that, for some people, cannabis leads to more serious 
drugs - and anything that makes people more likely to try it is surely wrong." 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake