JUDGE IS RIGHT ABOUT DANGER OF CANNABIS

We applaud the comments of Judge Richard Bray over the Government's
error in reclassifying cannabis as a class C drug and the clear
message that he has sent out in jailing a man for supplying the drug.

The Government's decision to downgrade the classification of cannabis
- - making its possession a non-arrestable offence in most cases - has
sent out entirely the wrong message to young people.

It has helped to create the perception of cannabis as some sort of
relatively benign recreational drug.

Far from being harmless, cannabis is, in fact, associated with an
array of health problems.

There is evidence linking its use to feelings of panic and anxiety,
loss of communication skills and lethargy.

As it is generally smoked, it also carries all the risks associated
with smoking, such as an increased danger of cancer and heart disease.

There is research which suggests its use can trigger psychosis in some
people, including hallucinations and loss of control.

It is also believed to worsen the symptoms of people who are already
suffering from mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

In addition, it may ultimately lead users to experiment with other,
more dangerous and addictive drugs such as heroin.

The Government is keen to stress that it does not regard cannabis as
harmless, and to reinforce this message, it earlier this year
announced a public information campaign warning against the dangers of
the drug.

It is hard to escape the conclusion, however, that this would not be
necessary if cannabis had remained a class B drug in the first place.

The most potent message that the Government could send out would be to
reverse the classification of cannabis and make it a class B drug again.