This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7386889.stm
The article has changed 23 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Cannabis 'must stay class C drug' | Cannabis 'must stay class C drug' |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Government advisers are to recommend that cannabis remains a class C drug, despite government concerns over its effects on crime levels and health. | |
| In a report, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs will say cannabis is not harmful enough to be upgraded to the more serious class B. | In a report, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs will say cannabis is not harmful enough to be upgraded to the more serious class B. |
| But Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is expected to ignore the report. | But Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is expected to ignore the report. |
| Cannabis was downgraded from class B to C four years ago, but Gordon Brown has called stronger varieties "lethal". | Cannabis was downgraded from class B to C four years ago, but Gordon Brown has called stronger varieties "lethal". |
| 'Concerted effort' | 'Concerted effort' |
| In its report, to be published later, the council calls for stricter penalties for dealing the drug in schools, mental health hospitals and prisons. | In its report, to be published later, the council calls for stricter penalties for dealing the drug in schools, mental health hospitals and prisons. |
| It also says ministers should set up a "concerted" public health campaign to reduce the use of cannabis among young people. | It also says ministers should set up a "concerted" public health campaign to reduce the use of cannabis among young people. |
| However, the council says the drug causes less harm than those in class B, such as amphetamines and barbiturates. | However, the council says the drug causes less harm than those in class B, such as amphetamines and barbiturates. |
| It argues that it should remain in class C, where the maximum penalty for possession is two years, rather than five. | It argues that it should remain in class C, where the maximum penalty for possession is two years, rather than five. |
| But, during the inquiry, "a minority" of council members disagreed, saying they were "very concerned" about the mental health risks of the widespread availability of more potent forms of the drug. | But, during the inquiry, "a minority" of council members disagreed, saying they were "very concerned" about the mental health risks of the widespread availability of more potent forms of the drug. |
| When considering cannabis classification, the council did not look at the message conveyed to the public or the impact on policing, which it is not legally obliged to do. | When considering cannabis classification, the council did not look at the message conveyed to the public or the impact on policing, which it is not legally obliged to do. |
| BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said this would give the home secretary "grounds to disregard the panel's advice - and restore cannabis to class B". | BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said this would give the home secretary "grounds to disregard the panel's advice - and restore cannabis to class B". |
| 'Unacceptable' | 'Unacceptable' |
| Ms Smith will give the government's response to the council's report in a statement to MPs. | Ms Smith will give the government's response to the council's report in a statement to MPs. |
| Last month, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he wanted to "send a message" to young people that using cannabis was "unacceptable". | Last month, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he wanted to "send a message" to young people that using cannabis was "unacceptable". |
| He added that he was worried about the "more lethal" use of skunk - a strong form of the drug. | He added that he was worried about the "more lethal" use of skunk - a strong form of the drug. |
| Cannabis was downgraded to class C - which includes substances such as anabolic steroids - from class B, in 2004. It means possession is treated largely as a non-arrestable offence. | Cannabis was downgraded to class C - which includes substances such as anabolic steroids - from class B, in 2004. It means possession is treated largely as a non-arrestable offence. |
| The Conservatives have called for cannabis to be returned to class B, while the Liberal Democrats have urged the government to be more open about the scientific advise it receives. | The Conservatives have called for cannabis to be returned to class B, while the Liberal Democrats have urged the government to be more open about the scientific advise it receives. |
| Home Office research published in February suggested skunk dominates the UK market - comprising 70% to 80% of samples seized by police. | Home Office research published in February suggested skunk dominates the UK market - comprising 70% to 80% of samples seized by police. |