Pubdate: Wed, 27 Nov 2013
Source: Independent  (UK)
Copyright: 2013 Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.independent.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/209
Page: 17

MINISTER FOR DRUGS WANTS TO 'CONSIDER' LEGALISING CANNABIS

The new minister responsible for drugs has told MPs legalising
cannabis "should be considered".

The minister responsible for crime prevention, Norman Baker, who was
moved to the Home Office from the Department for Transport in
October's reshuffle, was quizzed by the Home Affairs Select Committee
over his views on drugs.

The Liberal Democrat MP refused to be drawn on his position on khat -
the intoxicating herb favoured by Somali and Yemeni communities that
was banned by the Home Secretary before his appointment.

But Paul Flynn, a committee member, told Mr Baker his "demeanour" and
"body language" suggested he did not support the ban, which was
implemented against official advice.

Asked by Mr Flynn if he still believed in legalising cannabis, Mr
Baker replied: "It should be considered along with anything else.

"What I'm saying is there is a study, an international comparative
study, which is designed to look at all aspects of drug treatment, of
drug policy, across various countries, and we will follow the evidence
and see where it takes us."

Cannabis is a Class B drug, meaning prosecution for possession can
lead to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. Conviction
for supply or production of the drug can lead to up to 14 years in
prison, an unlimited fine or both. It was upgraded from a Class C drug
in 2009.

Mr Baker has previously said cannabis is "no more harmful than alcohol
or tobacco" and has urged resources to be channelled into tackling
hard drugs.

He told the committee he supported the Home Office strategy to reduce
demand for drugs, restrict their supply and support individuals
addicted to them. "The question is how do we get to those three
objectives and maximise the return," he added.

Mr Flynn continued to press the minister on his views on khat,
claiming Mr Baker did not agree with its criminalisation and it was
just a move to "boost the Tory vote by appearing to be tough on drugs".

Mr Baker said his time was "better spent on the future, rather than
the past".
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MAP posted-by: Matt