SCHOOLS TOLD TO WARN PUPILS THEY CAN STILL BE JAILED FOR CANNABIS POSSESSION

Schools are being told to remind pupils that cannabis possession still
carries a prison sentence, because of confusion caused by the plans of the
Home Secretary, David Blunkett, to reclassify the drug.

New guidance on drugs education published by the Department for Education
and Skills yesterday urges teachers still to adopt a tough line.

Mr Blunkett proposes to reclassify cannabis from a class B drug to class C,
which means most people caught in possession are likely to escape with a
caution and confiscation of the drug. They are only likely to be prosecuted
for repeat offences.

However, yesterday's guidance, which has gone out to schools for
consultation, says: "It is important for schools to reinforce to pupils
that cannabis is harmful to health and is still an illegal drug and
possession will remain a criminal offence leading to a possible fine or
imprisonment.

"Schools should continue to deal with incidents relating to possession or
supply of cannabis in line with their school drug policy."

The tough message was underlined by the Education minister Ivan Lewis in a
foreword to the document. "Drugs can have a devastating impact on young
people's lives - even small amounts can ruin their futures," he said.
"Drugs can lead to major disruption within schools themselves. Drugs are a
menace and we must tackle them head-on."

The policy document also urges schools to be cautious before allowing
former drug users to visit schools to talk to pupils. It says: "They may be
able to provide a valuable and compelling insight into the consequences of
drugs use but schools should be aware that - without sensitive handling -
they may arouse interest in drugs that pupils would otherwise be unlikely
to try and may glamourise drug misuse."

The guidance also notes that some schools have introduced urine-testing or
the use of police handlers or private companies with sniffer dogs. It says
schools wanting to adopt that approach must get written permission either
from a parent/carer or a pupil.