Pubdate: Fri, 11 Jan 2008 Source: Times, The (UK) Copyright: 2008 Times Newspapers Ltd Contact: http://www.the-times.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/454 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n028/a02.html Author: Janice Small IT MAY BE TOO LATE TO RECLASSIFY CANNABIS Sir, I can't help thinking that Gordon Brown is reclassifying cannabis not because of new evidence but because it is a vote winner among concerned parents. I visit schools, hospitals, drug rehab centres and counselling services, and listen to teachers, parents, children, counsellors, addicts and ex-addicts, and am told by the police that the worst piece of legislation passed by this Government was the downgrading of cannabis. They tell me that their hands are tied and that the users believe it is now legal and that the police will not touch them. I have seen the devastating effects skunk has on teenagers and their parents. This drug is mind altering and I have witnessed too many boys who are flunking exams, giving up sport and stealing to get money for the next fix, which is readily available in sleepy villages as well as town centres. Too little, too late, Mr Brown, for a number of our children. Janice Small Platt, Kent - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake