In the Press
Drug driving … you'd be off your head.
2nd October 2008
Changes in the law will mean tougher penalties if you're caught with cannabis if government plans to reclassify cannabis as a Class B drug - from a Class C drug - go ahead later this year, following a report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).
Currently cannabis is a Class C drug. It's illegal to have, sell or give away. The maximum penalty of possessing cannabis is two years in prison, and the maximum you can get for dealing is 14 years in prison.
If and when it becomes a Class B drug, it will still be illegal to have, sell or give away. The maximum penalty for possession for personal use will go up to five years in prison and a maximum of 14 years for dealing.
The ACMD's report confirms that cannabis poses a real threat to the health of those who use it since:
- Most of the cannabis around today is much stronger than it used to be
- Some young people may ‘binge smoke' to try and get as stoned as possible which could have a very serious effect on their mental health
- Cannabis can worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia and lead to relapse
- And there is a probable, though weak, link between cannabis use and onset of psychotic illness
The government are talking to the police about how the law will be enforced and what is likely to happen to people who are caught in possession of cannabis.
For advice about drug use go to: www.talktofrank.com
See previous press releases
25th September 2008 (download pdf 204Kb)>