DECRIMINALISATION DOPE SAYS MP SALTER

A CHANGE in drug laws which means laid back cannabis users can relax
even more when they light up has received the backing of a Reading
MP.

The drug will be officially re-classified from Class B to C on January
29 when police will only be left with four grounds for arresting
people for possession.

Reading West MP Martin Salter, who wants complete decriminalisation of
cannabis, signalled his support of the change but called for a more
credible drugs policy.

He said: "If we tell young people all drugs are the same and there is
no difference between cannabis and heroin, or between cannabis and the
evil of crack cocaine, we are doing the young people of this country a
great disservice.

"There is no conclusive evidence cannabis is a gateway to harder
drugs, as has been claimed by some, any more than tobacco or alcohol.

"The important thing is our message to young people is believable and
targeted on the dangers of all those in substance abuse, and aimed at
keeping them away from the drugs that kill."

The changes follow recommendations from experts and the Home Affairs
Select Committee.

But there will be no relaxation of penalties for supplying or dealing
in the drug, which will still carry a maximum 14 year prison sentence.

Cannabis users will also be arrested for smoking in public view, if
caught in possession when they have previous form for carrying it, if
they are in an area where there is a drugs problem, or in the vicinity
of a school or other building used by youngsters.