MP'S SUPER-GRASS FEARS

Calls for the Government to do a U-turn on cannabis legislation have
been backed by South Belfast doctor and local MP Alasdair McDonnell.

The DUP's Gregory Campbell and Willie McCrea have joined him in
pressing Home Secretary John Reid to acknowledge the modern,
super-strength version of the drug can be "deeply damaging".

The Ulster trio are among 44 MPs who have signed a motion by Tory MP
Humfry Malins urging the Government to be aware of the dangers of
cannabis and rethink its controversial 2004 decision to downgrade it
to a 'class C' drug.

"The majority of class A drug addicts began by experimenting with
cannabis," Mr Malins claimed.

In January 2004, then-Home Secretary David Blunkett reclassified
cannabis from class B to class C. Two years later his successor,
Charles Clarke, resisted pressure to reverse the decision despite
disturbing evidence. Mr Clarke accepted the drug could trigger
serious mental illness but pledged a publicity campaign to warn of the dangers.

According to the Home Office, since the reclassification most
offences of cannabis possession by adults result in a police warning
on the spot and confiscation of the drug.

There is a presumption against arrest, except where public order is
at risk, where children are vulnerable or for repeat offenders. Young
people under 18 are given a formal reprimand or warning at a police station.