A JOINT COULD STILL LAND YOU IN COURT

A SOFTENING of the cannabis laws will not save persistent users of the
drug from prosecution, Cumbrian police chiefs have warned.

The force has issued its officers with fresh guidelines in the wake of
the Government's decision to downgrade cannabis from a Class B to a
Class C drug.

The force stresses the new law, which comes into force on January 29,
will not legalise cannabis.

But individual police officers will be given more scope to use their
discretion, though they are being advised not to make arrests in cases
of simple possession.

Cannabis found on someone will still be confiscated and police can
still warn, caution or issue a summons to anyone found with it.

This more relaxed approach will not be extended to dealers, who can
still face jail sentences of up to 14 years.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Crompton said the reclassification
will allow the force to concentrate on tackling Class A drugs.

He said: "Cannabis possession remains a criminal offence and we will
take the appropriate actions against those breaking the law.

"What the change in legislation means is that the decision of whether
to arrest someone for simple possession of cannabis will be left to
the discretion of the officer."

Mr Crompton said officers are being advised to arrest offenders in the
following circumstances:

If cannabis is smoked in public view

When a person repeatedly offends

If in possession of cannabis and close to youth premises, such as
schools

If there is a local policing problem linked to cannabis
use.

He added: "We will be working with our partners in the other criminal
justice agencies to ensure that a range of options are applied
according to the circumstances of each case of cannabis possession,
ranging from penalties to referral for treatment."

Mike Maiden, chair of Cumbria Drug Action Team, said: "The team is
supportive of the guidelines put in place by Cumbria Constabulary,
which balance the need to uphold the law in respect of the issue of
cannabis possession, while providing a reasonable response to users
appropriate to their age.

"Whether or not someone comes into the criminal justice system, it
should be stressed that appropriate treatment facilities are available
for those who use cannabis."

Alston based pro-cannabis campaigner Lezley Gibson, who suffers from
multiple sclerosis, said she will continue to use the drug to ease her
condition.

She said: "It's scary. I suppose I'm a habitual user -- I use cannabis
every day, so this change doesn't really help me at all.

"It doesn't make sense."