Pubdate: Sat, 19 Mar 2005
Source: Express, Express on Sunday (UK)
Copyright: 2005 The Express
Contact:  http://www.express.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/145
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

CLARKE CONSIDERS CANNABIS CHANGE

Home Secretary Charles Clarke has asked his independent advisers to 
reassess the dangers of cannabis in the light of new medical research, it 
has been revealed.

Mr Clarke asked for particular guidance on the Dutch government's plans to 
introduce a higher classification for more potent types of dope.

He also highlighted recent studies which suggested a link between cannabis 
use and mental illness. Former home secretary David Blunkett downgraded the 
drug from Class B to Class C - placing it alongside steroids and some 
prescription anti-depressants - in January last year. The move made most 
cases of cannabis possession a non-arrestable offence.

In a letter to the chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs 
(ACMD), Professor Sir Michael Rawlins, Mr Clarke said: "I think there is 
merit in the Advisory Council assessing whether their position is at all 
changed by the emerging evidence."

Asked if the letter's reference to the Dutch proposals indicated Mr Clarke 
was considering a two-level classification system for cannabis in this 
country, Home Office spokeswoman said: "That will be a matter for the 
review to report on.

"Depending on what comes up they will discuss that with the Association of 
Chief Police Officers. At this stage there is nothing to inform that."

In the House of Commons earlier this month Mr Clarke resisted demands from 
Tory spokeswoman Cheryl Gillan to re-think cannabis policy. His letter, 
released by the Home Office, referred to a New Zealand study which 
considered how regular cannabis use increased the risk of developing 
psychotic symptoms later in life.

It also highlighted a report from Maastricht University which concluded use 
of the drug "moderately increases" the risk of psychotic symptoms in young 
people but has "a much stronger effect in those with evidence of 
predisposition for psychosis".

Mr Clarke went on: "I want to be clear what influence the evidence 
presented within these studies has on the overall assessment of the 
classification of cannabis. I would also welcome advice on claims of 
increased prevalence of cannabis with high levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol 
(THC).

"Typically these are grown hydroponically and are known as 'skunk' 
varieties of cannabis. I am aware the Dutch Government are taking a 
particular interest in very high-strength strains and are considering 
whether cannabis above a certain strength should be a higher classification."
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