MAKE CANNABIS CLASS B, SAY CAMPAIGNERS

The penalties for possessing cannabis must be increased to save a
generation of young people from lasting psychological damage, a
Government review of the drug's status will be told on Tuesday.

Mental health campaigners will urge the Advisory Council on the Misuse
of Drugs to restore cannabis to class B, prompted by the harm
inflicted on young people by new high-strength strains of "skunk" cannabis.

The Daily Telegraph revealed last month that the NHS is treating
almost 500 adults and children every week for the effects of cannabis.
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Numbers have risen sharply since 2004 when ministers downgraded
cannabis to a class C drug, possession of which can lead to a two-year
jail sentence, but is rarely deemed serious enough for charges.

People found in possession of class B drugs can face a five-year jail
term and an unlimited fine.

Debra Bell, who will address the committee on behalf of the Talking
About Cannabis Parental Action Group, said: "Skunk cannabis is one of
the evils of our time.

"I'm not talking about it just being a gateway drug; it is dangerous
in itself."

The committee is expected to make a recommendation to Jacqui Smith,
the Home Secretary, in April.