CANNABIS FIGURES FALL AS NEW LAW BROUGHT IN

The number of people seeking help for health problems relating to cannabis
use has fallen in the past year according to Norfolk's health bosses.

In 2007/08 there were 275 people who needed help at hospitals or clinics
which linked to cannabis use, compared to 360 the year before - a decline
of 24pc.

The news emerged as the government reclassified cannabis as a Class B drug
- - about eight years after it was downgraded to a Class C.

Ministers wanted the drug upgraded because of worries on the impact on
mental health and Norwich health bosses also said there is a worrying
psychological effect from smoking.

Daniel Harry, from the Norfolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team, said: "The
reclassification of cannabis from a Class C to a Class B drug reflects
government concerns about prolonged heavy use on physical and mental
health.

"Irrespective of the legal classification, the Norfolk Drug and Alcohol
Action Team will continue to commission drug and alcohol services that
meet the needs of drug users in the county.

"There is no reason to assume that this reduction in presentations to
treatment for cannabis use is causally linked with changes in the
classification of cannabis.

"The reduction may be influenced by a general downturn in problematic
cannabis use and/or increases in successful outcomes for the treatment of
problematic cannabis users."

Under the new plans a "three strikes" system for cannabis possession will
be introduced, starting with a warning, then an ?80 spot fine for a second
offence.

Only when a third offence is committed, will the person be liable to
arrest and prosecution.

The fines were debated in the Lords yesterday and expected to come into
force tomorrow . Currently, police can only warn or prosecute people
caught in possession of cannabis.

However some health campaigners are concerned the reclassification will
make no difference to the number of people who use the drug.

Sandra Flannigan from Norwich Mind said: "It is encouraging the drug use
has gone down and I hope the change in law makes a real difference to the
number of people using the drug.

"I am not sure this gives a true picture though because there are a lot of
people still using drugs like cannabis. Anyone with a predisposition of a
psychotic illness should not use cannabis as it will make the condition
worse.

"It is a dangerous substance, people need to remember this, and it can
alter moods and affect people's mental health. My concern is that it will
only get worse as the economic situation deteriorates as people will use
it as a form of escapism."

In recent months there has been a string of cannabis factories found in
Norfolk. Last month more than 500 cannabis plants were found in a Yarmouth
warehouse with a street value of up to UKP40,000.

Anyone who need help or more information about drug use can log onto DAAT
on www.nordat.org.uk or call the Matthew Project 24/7 help line on 0800
764 754.