xxdr_zombiexx

Cannabis 'time bomb'

By Jane Wharton

www.bishopsstortfordcitizen.co.uk

HEADTEACHERS and youth workers have slammed the Government's downgrading of cannabis, saying it has created "a time bomb waiting to go off".

New legislation has seen cannabis downgraded from a class B drug to class C.

But youth leaders have condemned the decision, stating the changes could lead to more addicts.

Stortford Outreach and Resettlement Project director Norma Symonds said: "This is one of the worst moves the Government has ever made. The law is extremely confusing and I think we will see an increase in addicts and an increase in people with mental health problems."

The reclassification puts cannabis in the same category as steroids and anti-depressants. The Government says the change will focus police attention on the most dangerous drugs and officers can now use their discretion in deciding whether or not to arrest.

Offenders aged under 18 will always be arrested and people smoking cannabis in a public place or near young people can also expect to be arrested.

Birchwood High School headteacher Chris Ingate said: "I'm not sure what messages the Government is giving by doing this. Many students don't understand the new laws because they're utterly confusing.

"As far as the school is concerned the new legislation will not change our policy. Anyone caught selling cannabis will be permanently excluded and anyone in possession of it faces a lengthy suspension."

Doctors have warned that cannabis has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease, lung cancer, bronchitis, emphysema and a number of mental health problems. Mrs Symonds said many addicts started off as cannabis users before moving on to hard drugs.

Detective Superintendent Jeremy Alford, head of crime management for Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: "It's important to stress that possession of cannabis remains illegal. However, most offences in the future will be dealt with by means of a police warning and confiscation.

"This brings with it advantages of freeing officers' time to focus with even greater effectiveness on class A drugs."


11:19am today

[zombienote: Wow...did they leave anything out beyond that it can turn you into a bat? And where is their new claim about killing thousands?]

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Torture Good, Healthcare Bad, Marijuana Evil.

There's no money for your issue so long as we're squandering $50 billion a year on the DrugWar. Ben Masel