DRUG POLICY TO FOCUS ON THE 'PROBLEM USERS'

DRUG policy in future is to focus on the 250,000 problem drug takers and
those using hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin, the Government told MPs
yesterday.

The strategy will highlight the cost of misuse of Class A drugs when it is
published in the autumn with revised targets for curbing use among the
young and the numbers beginning treatment. But the Government made clear in
its response to a Home Affairs Select Committee report on its drugs policy
that it would not legalise any drugs that are at present illegal. It added:
"We reject any call to legislate or decriminalise any currently controlled
substance."

*New Offences: An offence of supplying drugs to young people is to be
introduced for those providing drugs to those aged 16 or under.

There is to be no new offence of "supplying for gain" which could be used
to prosecute large-scale commercial suppliers. But the commercial supply of
drugs should mean a higher penalty than sentences given to people involved
in social supplying to close friends.

Police will be trained to test drivers suspected of driving under the
influence of drugs.

*Cannabis: This is to be downgraded from a Category B to a Category C drug
by July 2003. In most simple possession cases, people found with cannabis
will not be arrested.

*Medical use: The Government will approve the medical use of cannabis if
trials on the effectiveness of cannabis in treating multiple sclerosis,
spinal injuries and other painful conditions are satisfactory. Phase three
of experiments is under way. The penalty for possession of cannabis will
drop from three months in jail or a fine of UKP500 or both, to three months
or a fine of UKP1,000 or both, for cases dealt with at magistrates' courts.
In the Crown Courts the sentence will fall from five years or an unlimited
fine to two years or an unlimited fine.

Legislation will be introduced in the next session allowing police to
arrest people in possession of cannabis if there are aggravated
circumstances such as involving young children and a threat to public
order. In most of the 90,000 possession cases each year, police will seize
the drug and issue a warning.

The sentence for dealing in and supplying Class C drugs, including
cannabis, is to rise from ten to 14 years.

The Government is to consider a new offence of supplying to minors, with a
higher maximum penalty than those now available to the courts. The maximum
sentence for supplying a Class B drug is 14 years, and life for supplying a
Class A drug.

*Ecstasy: To remain a Class A drug. "There is no such thing as a safe dose."

*Cocaine: More cash for treatment services with a national action plan by
next year. More attention to be given to ethnic minorities.

*Heroin: The Government to consider treatment for misuse to be a mandatory
part of prison sentences. It rejected "at present" the idea of "shooting
galleries" where users could inject their own supplies.

*Drug Education: Ofsted is to review the quality and effectiveness of drug
education in schools in England. All information for young people is to
emphasise the dangers associated with substance misuse.

Cannabis: the facts

The source: Derives from the plant Cannabis sativa or Indian Hemp. The drug
is extracted from the unfertilised flowering tops and leaves of the plant.

*Herbal form: Looks like sage or dried herbs.

*Resin: Looks like a chunks of sandstone or liquorice, or a concentrated
dark oil.

*Skunk: A variety with a high concentration of narcotic substances. It is
much more powerful than ordinary cannabis and is named after its pungent smell.

*Why use cannabis: It is classified as a mild hallucinogenic - a
mind-altering drug. Its effects include relaxation, a sense of well-being,
and a lack of inhibitions.

*Effects: Doctors say the risk of short-term ill-effects are slight, but
for the long term, give warning that its use is as dangerous as cigarette
smoking. Could have a negative effect on schizophrenia.

*Medicinal value: Pilot tests are being carried out for medicinal use for
sufferers from multiple sclerosis.

*Drug culture: Police and Customs claim that cannabis is a "gateway" drug
because users may be offered stronger drugs from dealers or may graduate to
more serious drug abuse.

*The law: Currently regarded as a Class B drug in the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Possession carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail and an unlimited
fine in a Crown Court and six months' imprisonment and/or a ?2,500 fine in
a magistrates court.

*Trafficking: In 2000 police and Customs seized 76 tonnes of herbal
cannabis and cannabis resin worth ?218 million on the streets.

*On the street: Prices start at about ?80 per oz of herbal cannabis and ?85
per oz for cannabis resin. Its other names include marijuana, hashish, pot,
grass, weed, ganja, and puff.

*The users: It is the most commonly used illegal drug in Britain: the
British Crime Survey found that four million Britons use it each year.
Among 16 to 29 year-olds, over 20 per cent used it last year, and 44 per
cent had tried it.

*Policing: Home Office figures show 80 per cent of people caught in
possession of cannabis get a warning, a caution or a fine. Only 45 per cent
go to court.