19/01/2004

Cannabis still 'harmful' despite reclassification

A new campaign has been launched which it is hoped will educate the public about the reclassification of cannabis from a class B to class C drug.

The government's message is that cannabis will be reclassified on 29 January, but "it is harmful and will remain illegal".

The move is part of the government's overall drug strategy which focuses action on class A drugs, like heroin and crack/cocaine which cause the greatest harm to individuals, their families and communities.

The change was recommended by an independent expert committee that advises the government on drug classifications.

Home Office Drugs Minister Caroline Flint said: "By reclassifying cannabis we are being honest to young people about the harm cannabis can cause in comparison to drugs such as crack and heroin. This an open and effective way to tackle the problems associated with class A drug use which Government medical advisors have recommended."

Radio adverts and leaflets will target young people, as part of the Frank campaign, and postcards in pubs and clubs will help to get the message across to over-18s.

The government will invest £1.2 billion this year in the drug strategy which aims to tackle supply, address treatment needs, help communities and educate young people

(gmcg)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 May 2008
'U-Turn' As Cannabis Reclassified To Class B
Cannabis has been reclassified as a Class B drug, it has been announced today. In making her decision The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith went against the advice of The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), which wanted to keep it a Class C drug. The council has not been overruled for 30 years.
25 September 2015
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
17 October 2003
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
01 May 2008
Brown To Decide On Cannabis Reclassification
The Prime Minister has said that the Government needs to issue a warning to young people of the dangers of using cannabis. Gordon Brown was speaking after he received a report from the the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) on cannabis and will now have to decide whether to upgrade the 'weed' from the 'soft' Class C drug to Class B.
06 October 2009
Drugs Misuse 'Too Great To Ignore'
Reducing the number of problem drug misusers and disrupting the illicit drugs market can bring huge social and economic benefits to Scotland, Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing said today.