CANNABIS DOWNGRADE IS 'SIGN OF THE TIMES SAYS LABOUR MP

THE Government's reclassification of cannabis has been branded "misguided"
and utterly wrong by Essex Tory MP's.

From today (Thursday), the government has downgraded the drug from a
class B to a class C.

But the move, which sees the cannabis in the same Category as tranquillises
and steroids, has been blasted by opposition MP's.

John Baron, Tory MP for Billericay called - the reclassification "utterly
wrong".

'This downgrade creates the impression that the government is going on
soft on drugs," he said.

"We should adopt a tougher approach towards pushers and addicts."

Mr Baron said the government is "out of touch with the reality" of cannabis
and evidence showing its harmful effects on health.

And Tory MP for Upminster, Angela Watkinson called the government's UKP 1M
advertising campaign, designed to warn the public of the drug's illegality
a 'damage limitation exercise'.

She told The Enquirer, "We should be preventing young people from using
drugs. It's no good curing one addict if two more come along."

Home secretary, David Blunket said the move would allow police to
concentrate on tackling class A drugs such as cocaine and heroine.

Under the legislation it is still illegal to possess, supply or deal in
cannabis. Possessing the drug with intent to supply carries a maximum 14
year sentence.

An Essex Police spokesman said the force vowed to follow ACPO guidelines
and lean toward issuing warnings where the quantity suggests personal use,

Amid mounting Criticism for the new legislation, Labour MP's in the county
reiterated their support,

Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South, said relaxing the law 'recognises the
reality' of the vast number of people using cannabis.

"We don't want to criminalise a whole generation. It's right to allow
police to concentrate resources on tackling more serious drugs," he said

But Don Barnard, a Chelmsford spokesperson for the Legalise Cannabis
Alliance said the reclassification would not help the situation.

We should be concerned about the health of users, "he told The Enquirer.

"Let's get real, bad things happened under the previous law, why will the
reclassification improve the situation?"