Cannabis reclassified as a class B drug

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by Change | 26 Jan 2009

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Cannabis has been reclassified as a class B drug, which the government hopes will reduce the number of young people using the substance.

Today, the government has raised cannabis from a class C to a class B restricted substance, which could affect the number of people admitted to rehab clinics.

A three-strike system will be put in place where people's first offence will result in a caution, on the second occasion they are given an £80 fine and a penalty notice and, if caught a third time, the offender will receive a prison sentence of up to five years.

Home office minister Alan Campbell claims the decision has been made in order to protect the public and future generations from the impact of cannabis addiction and abuse.

"Together with reclassification, it is crucial that we are communicating with young people through the FRANK drug awareness campaign to warn them about the consequences," he asserts.

While Mr Campbell recognises that fewer people are taking cannabis, he says it still poses "a real risk" to those who use it.

In other news, the government's drug advisory service FRANK has launched a website to educate young people about the risks presented by cocaine addiction and abuse.

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