CONFERENCE TO DEBATE LEGALISED CANNABIS USE

Health, drugs and welfare experts are to attend a conference to discuss
social issues surrounding the possible reclassification of cannabis.

The meeting comes as health officials revealed how cannabis-based
painkillers could be made available on prescription from the NHS.

The event will see delegates discussing issues and sharing experiences.

It has been organised by the North West Public Health Observatory, the Drug
Prevention Advisory Service and HIT - which provides training, consultation
and information on drugs related issues in the Mersey region.

Speakers are expected to include Bob Keizer, the Drug Policy Advisor to the
Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in the Netherlands, who will explain
how Dutch policy is based on health protection principles.

Small quantities of cannabis, on sale in Dutch cafes, have been
decriminalised since 1976 to discourage users from moving on to harder,
illegal drugs.

Delegates from education, employment and local government will discuss,
among other topics, the detrimental effect which a conviction for cannabis
possession can have on an individual's health and future.