reclassification of cannabis
Sending message on drugs misuse
Published:
THE UK Government’s decision to upgrade the seriousness of cannabis possession from grade C to grade B was designed to send out a strong message on drugs misuse and to acknowledge current public opinion on the subject.
Unfortunately, it comes just four years after its status was downgraded and the new measures fly in the face of its own expert advice. Many will wonder whether or not the government is dithering and at odds within its own ranks.
However, despite this confusion, even the most avid pro-cannabis supporters must accept that the skunk variety now available is far more powerful and potentially damaging than past varieties.
Even although the experts were dismissive of the incidence of mental problems among users, there are greater concerns that cannabis can lead many vulnerable users into a downward spiral of hard drugs.
Current demand for cannabis is also proving a lucrative business for criminal gangs, which brings with it associated illegal activities.
Government critics say more effort must be put into educating young people on the risks, rather than raising the punishment levels.
Education initiatives have their place, but many would also favour the carrot and stick approach. Some people might consider that education has had mixed results in the recent past in fighting drugs problems.
As usual, dysfunctional families and communities play a key role in poor behaviour and slipping standards, which spawn drugs abuse and other aspects of antisocial behaviour. Many feel the government has been lax to date in all of these areas.
Readers' Comments
The government are riddled with in fighting and confusion over their policy, the article is scientifically wrong as new strains of skunk are only twice as strong since 1960's(not as stated in article)Current demand is so high that it has become easy to source but you have to be quick before it goes..... most smokers are young professionals, most cannibis dealers dont do hard drugs! Mental problems occur due to a genetic displacement that occurs in 20 % of world population however is more predominent in non european genetics! The descendency into hard drugs is as product of poor environment facilitated by the government. Make it legal then tax it and recycle the money into educating kids on the dangers of alcohol and hard drugs rather than something which has no negative social factors...nobody ever died from dope! Most people i have encountered do a bit of home grown too.....not interested in gang culture! This just creates more work for our already overstretched/understaffed police department! What a joke!
Mary Jane
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Agree with above, far better to sell the stuff, tax it high like petrol and use the money as a resource and to the benefit of the people!
Jim Farquar
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