CANNABIS LAWS EASED BY BLUNKETT

Cannabis is to be reclassified as a less dangerous drug to free-up police
resources to fight hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine, Home Secretary
David Blunkett has announced.

He unveiled the controversial measure in the House of Commons just hours
after the government's former "drugs czar" Keith Hellawell said he had quit
his role as a government adviser in protest.

It came shortly after Tony Blair defended the move during prime minister's
question time.

Mr Blunkett also announced that the controversial cannabis experiment,
currently under way in London's Brixton, would be extended across London.

The decision to reclassify cannabis was in response to a report by MPs
arguing that drugs policy should focus on tackling the problems caused by
heroin addicts.

'Drugs Are Dangerous'

The change will put cannabis on a par with anti-depressants and steroids.
Possession of small amounts would no longer be considered an arrestable
offence.

Mr Blunkett countered suggestions that he was going "soft on drugs" by
saying police would retain the power to arrest marijuana users in certain
"aggravated" cases, such as when the drug is smoked near children.

Mr Blunkett raised the maximum sentence for dealers of class B and C drugs
from five years to 14 years.

"There will be an increasing focus on class A drugs," the home secretary said.

"The message is clear - drugs are dangerous. We will educate, persuade and
where necessary, direct young people away from their use.

"We will not legalise or decriminalise any drugs, nor do we envisage a time
when this will be appropriate."

Mr Blunkett placed heavy emphasis on the importance of drug treatment.

Greater Credibility

The committee recommended moving Ecstasy from class A to B, but Mr Blunkett
rejected this.

The government signalled its intention to downgrade cannabis last October.

Since then, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, comprising medical
experts, and the all-party select committee have both backed the idea.

Ministers said moving cannabis to class C, where possession is no longer an
arrestable offence, would give their drug policy greater credibility among
young people and help police direct resources towards heroin and cocaine.

'Damage Communities'

Mr Hellawell said he handed in his notice in protest at plans to move the
drug to a lower category.

He launched a stinging attack on the proposals, which he claims will damage
communities and lead to more drug use.

But the Home Office insisted Mr Hellawell supported the move when it was
first floated last year.

But Mr Hellawell says he had made his reservations known to Mr Blunkett at
a meeting last autumn.

He insisted he was not motivated by spite in speaking out, despite being
downgraded from his UKP106,000-a-year role as the government's drugs czar.

He had been an adviser on international affairs before cutting his links
with the government last month.