SURGE IN SKUNK ADDS TO PRESSURE FOR REVERSAL OF CANNABIS DOWNGRADING

Three-quarters of the cannabis in circulation is the potent "skunk"
variety blamed for causing mental illness, research for the Home
Office has disclosed.

The soaring popularity of skunk, which is - on average - three times
more powerful than cannabis resin and herbal cannabis, emerged as the
Government considers whether to reverse the downgrading of the drug
from a class B to class C substance. The increase, alongside mounting
evidence of a link between regular cannabis use and psychosis,
further raises the likelihood that Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary,
will back the reversal.

Skunk now accounts for 70 to 80 per cent of the cannabis taken in
England and Wales, according to an analysis of drug samples seized in
recent months. That compared with just 15 per cent in 2002. The drug
was virtually unknown in Britain in the early 1990s.

Cannabis resin represents 20 per cent of the market, while herbal
cannabis has almost disappeared. Les King, an adviser to the Home
Office Scientific Development Branch, told a public hearing of the
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs that skunk contained 14 per
cent THC, the ingredient that produces the "high", while herbal
cannabis had a 5 per cent content. But he said: "It's the same as
saying wine is twice as strong as beer. It is not only what you drink
but how much.

"Regular statements are made that cannabis is ten, 20 times stronger
than it used to be. It is misleading and it is wrong."

The Association of Chief Police Officers and magistrates told the
committee, whose conclusions will be handed to Ms Smith in April,
that they want the drug reclassified.