CANNABLISS

Dope Law Shake-Up Mean Users Can Smoke In Peace

A MASSIVE change in the cannabis laws was unveiled by the Government last
night.

Dope is to be reclassified as a Class C drug - the lowest category of
illegal substances.

It will mean people caught in possession of small amounts cannot be arrested.

The change was being seen as the most significant relaxation of drug laws
in 30 years.

Ministers are also to recommend cannabis products are licensed as medicines.

And doctors will get new guidance to allow heroin to be given out on
prescription to undermine the illegal market in hard drugs.

Home Secretary David Blunkett claimed the move on cannabis would allow
police to concentrate on tackling hard drugs and dealers.

He said: "Re-classification would be different from decriminalisation or
legalisation. Cannabis would remain a controlled drug and using it a
criminal offence.

"This would not detract from the simple message that all drugs are harmful
and that no one should take drugs.

"But it would make clearer the distinction between cannabis and Class A
drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

Police can't arrest people for possessing cannabis since the maximum
penalty will be two years in jail. Only drugs offences punishable with at
least five years behind bars are arrestable.

Campaigners hailed the move which followed a pilot scheme in Brixton, south
London. Labour MP Paul Flynn, who led Parliamentary calls for change, said:
"It is a splendid first step that will prevent 100,000 arrests a year.

"It will release hundreds of thousands of extra man hours for the police
and save a fortune on police, court and prison budgets."

But the British Lung Foundation warned it could mean more people smoking
the drug. A spokeswoman said: "Any reclassification of cannabis should be
accompanied by similar health education campaigns as those the Government
run on tobacco."

Before the change is passed, the proposal will be formally approved by the
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

CLASSES OF DRUGS

CLASS A: Heroin, cocaine, ecstasy

CLASS B: Cannabis, amphetamine stimulants, barbiturate sedatives

CLASS C: Anabolic steroids, benzodiazepine sleeping pills and harmful
prescription drugs