http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7850342.stm
The reclassification of cannabis as a Class B drug has come into effect in England and Wales amid complaints the new laws are "illogical".
The government said it went against its advisors to upgrade the drug because of worries of its affect on mental health.
Magistrates welcomed the reclassification but said planned fines for possessing small amounts undermined the more serious classification.
They said it sent the signal cannabis is not as bad as other Class B drugs.
Plans to introduce a "three strikes" system for cannabis possession start with a warning, then an £80 spot fine for a second offence.
Only when a third offence is committed, will the person be liable to arrest and prosecution.
Penalties for drug offences
The spot fine proposal is due for further consultation after magistrates expressed concerns about taking offences away from the courts system.
The Magistrates' Association argued that some of the offences were too serious to be dealt with out of court and that penalty payment rates were low.
The fines are to be debated in the Lords on Monday and are expected to come into force on Wednesday.
Currently, police can only warn or prosecute people caught in possession of cannabis.
The maximum prison term for possessing cannabis rises from two to five years with its reclassification.
Home Office minister Alan Campbell said: "Cannabis is a harmful drug and while fewer people are taking it than before, it poses a real risk to the health of those who do use it."
'SKUNK' CANNABIS
So-called because it has a very strong smell
Three times stronger than other types of cannabis
Contains much higher levels of the active ingredient - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Now accounts for between 70% and 80% of samples seized by police
Six years ago it accounted for 15% of samples
He added: "We are reclassifying cannabis to protect the public and future generations."
But John Fassenfelt, deputy chair of the Magistrates' Association, said the fine system would send out mixed messages.
"What is that telling the youngster on the street?" he said.
"Is it telling them well, you can have cannabis, it's not so serious as other Class B drugs.
"It's a dual justice system. If you smoke or take another Class B drug you'll be brought to court, if you take cannabis you'll be given a fine. Where's the justice in that?"
A £2.2m TV, radio and internet campaign will launch next month to warn young people about the dangers of using the drug.
'Three times stronger'
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith decided to reclassify cannabis despite an Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs' review - commissioned by Gordon Brown - saying it should remain Class C.
Ms Smith said stronger "skunk" varieties account for 80% of the cannabis seized on the streets, and that the drug is nearly three times stronger than in 1995. This farce would have been avoided had ministers heeded the advice of the experts on the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
Chris Huhne, Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said: "The move to Class B has got nothing to do with public health and education and everything to do with posturing on penalties.
"This farce would have been avoided had ministers heeded the advice of the experts on the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs."
The advisory council's report, Cannabis: Classification and Public Health, described the drug as a "significant public health issue".
But it said it should still remain a Class C drug, saying the risks were not as serious as those of Class B substances such as amphetamines and barbiturates.
Class C includes substances such as tranquilisers, some painkillers, GHB (so-called "liquid ecstasy") and ketamine. Possession of Class C drugs is treated largely as a non-arrestable offence.
The Conservatives have said the government's reversal of its earlier decision showed the downgrading of cannabis had been a mista
UK - cannabis law change illogical.
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Sir Niall of Essex-sire
- Posts: 3106
- Joined: Thu 20th Mar 2008 04:38 pm
Yes, and how many of you Brits wrote to your representitive? How many council meetings did you attend? Or did you all just lay down and let it happen? I am not very proud of my English neighbors right now.
add: http://www.protestlondon.co.uk/
I hope you all go with a big spliff.
add: http://www.protestlondon.co.uk/
I hope you all go with a big spliff.
Damn, that really sucks. I used to think that the U.K. was one of the more liberal and freedom loving countries. I am going to have to check and see if George Bush has moved from here in the U.S. to the U.K. 
It seems your government has taken a big step backwards. While in the meantime here where I live(Michigan) medical marijuana laws have recently passed by voters and take effect on April 1st
. As MileHigh said,the only way to change your situation is to get INVOLVED and vote a better system in.
Now all of you Brits get out there and let your voices be heard!!
It seems your government has taken a big step backwards. While in the meantime here where I live(Michigan) medical marijuana laws have recently passed by voters and take effect on April 1st
. As MileHigh said,the only way to change your situation is to get INVOLVED and vote a better system in.Now all of you Brits get out there and let your voices be heard!!
The trouble is as a general rule, the British are a reticent people, but don't worry.
Truth goes through three stages.
First it is ridiculed..
Then it is violently opposed
Then it is accepted as a basic truth.
Marijuana has been ridiculed, now the governments are opposing it, more harshly.
There is an old saying the more you resist, the more it persists.
This means purely that the more you focus on resisting something, the bigger an opponent it becomes in your mind. The more strongly the governments oppose something, the more ire it raises in the peoples affected, till it reaches a point where change is inevitable, as America is now heading toward.
Britain is a long way behind, but our turn will come... eventually.
It will happen, that much I know, when, is for everyone to decide.
Truth goes through three stages.
First it is ridiculed..
Then it is violently opposed
Then it is accepted as a basic truth.
Marijuana has been ridiculed, now the governments are opposing it, more harshly.
There is an old saying the more you resist, the more it persists.
This means purely that the more you focus on resisting something, the bigger an opponent it becomes in your mind. The more strongly the governments oppose something, the more ire it raises in the peoples affected, till it reaches a point where change is inevitable, as America is now heading toward.
Britain is a long way behind, but our turn will come... eventually.
It will happen, that much I know, when, is for everyone to decide.
Just trying to be 'En Vogue'
I'm sad to hear about this.
And to think that the Queen knighted Sir Paul McCartney (who was arrested for marijuana posession) for his contribution to his nation. The Queen has knighted a few stoners and for her government to turn a blind eye is a disgrace to the crown.
Off with their heads I say!
And to think that the Queen knighted Sir Paul McCartney (who was arrested for marijuana posession) for his contribution to his nation. The Queen has knighted a few stoners and for her government to turn a blind eye is a disgrace to the crown.
Off with their heads I say!
My thoughts are free.
.....milehigh wrote:Yes, and how many of you Brits wrote to your representitive? How many council meetings did you attend? Or did you all just lay down and let it happen? I am not very proud of my English neighbors right now.
add: http://www.protestlondon.co.uk/
I hope you all go with a big spliff.
we really should consider getting involved, as a nation, for once.
it seems, as stated a few times already, we are all just sat on arses with a spliff complaining about it rather than acting. are we strong enough for making a difference though? i doubt it
Next outing: maybe march