PUBLIC ARE CONFUSED OVER DRUG

CONFUSION still surrounds cannabis, its use and punishment since the
Government reclassified the drug last week.

The drug was downgraded from class B to class C across the UK. Its
possession remains an offence.

But the confusion in the public mind comes from the varying attitudes of
police forces to enforcing the law.

In Scotland, because the Executive controls policing policy, officers say
they will maintain their tough approach and arrest everyone found with
cannabis.

In England, some forces are much more relaxed.

In a recent opinion poll, more than half the people agreed with the
downgrading.

The move was intended to free up police time to allow them to tackle harder
drugs.

But critics say a confused message is being sent to young people about drugs.

The Scottish Cannabis Coffeeshop Movement recently backed the opening of a
cannabis cafe in Leith.

On the day it opened, three people were arrested for alleged drugs offences.