SKUNK CANNABIS HAULS ARE ON THE RISE

The vast majority of cannabis seized is 'skunk', the most potent kind
of the drug, says the government.

A Home Office report, based on information from police forces,
suggests that 81 per cent of cannabis seizures are of sinsemilla -
the dried, herbal strain of the female cannabis plant - that contains
high levels of psychotropic substances.

Six years ago, sinsemilla made up only 15 per cent of cannabis
seizures while the majority were of the less potent resin. Levels of
the psychotropic substance THC in cannabis seizures have doubled in
the past decade, leading to claims that the stronger versions of the
drug, such as skunk, have caused a surge in psychotic illnesses.

The government is expected to cite the research this week when it
rejects advice from the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of
Drugs that cannabis should remain a class C drug. Instead, the Home
Office is expected to say cannabis should be regraded as class B.