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Buzzby

We Misled Public Over Downgrading Cannabis - Clarke
Rosemary Bennett | The Times | 01/05/2006

THE PUBLIC was misled about the dangers of taking cannabis when the Government unwittingly decided to downgrade the drug less than a year ago, the Home Secretary admits today.

In a damning assessment of the decision taken by his predecessor, David Blunkett, Charles Clarke said he is “very worried” about recent evidence suggesting a strong link between cannabis and mental illness. His remarks, made in an interview with The Times, come just weeks before he must decide whether or not to execute an embarrassing about-turn and restore the drug’s Class B status.

Mr Clarke said there was an alarming lack of knowledge about the health dangers posed by the drug among the general public. He also admitted that many people had been left confused by the law change.

“Whatever happens after this, let me reveal one recommendation of the advisory committee, which they make very, very strongly, which is a renewed commitment to public education about the potential affects of the consumption of cannabis, and the legal status of cannabis. That is well made, and I will accept it.”

Asked specifically if the confusion was a result of Mr Blunkett’s decision to downgrade the drug, he said: “Yes. People do not understand the impact of the consumption of cannabis well enough, and what the legal consequences of consuming cannabis are.” Over Christmas Mr Clarke read the report from a special advisory group he set up to assess the latest medical evidence, and will discuss its findings with colleagues this week before making a final decision.

Leaks of the report suggest the committee says use of the drug is clearly linked to mental illness, but stops short of recommending reclassification.

Mr Clarke refused to confirm the report’s central thrust, but said he had already accepted a secondary recommendation, that ministers had to clear up the confusion in the public’s mind about the drug. “The thing that worries me most (about the downgrading of cannabis) is confusion among the punters about what the legal status of cannabis is.”

The drug was downgraded in in the hope that it would allow the police to focus on more serious drug abuse. Mr Clarke said it was significant how many advocates of the change had had second thoughts.

“I’m very struck by the advocacy of a number of people who have been proposers of the reclassification of cannabis that they were wrong,” he said.

“I am also very worried about the most recent medical evidence on mental health. This is a very serious issue.”

Asked if the downgrading of the drug had served any useful purpose, Mr Clarke paused before responding: “I think it gives it a steer to the citizen on more serious drug consumption.”

Although an about-turn would be embarrassing, it may cause Labour fewer problems in the long run. Mr Clarke will champion curbs on antisocial behaviour this year, which strategists say is undermined by a soft approach to cannabis.

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TheNewGuy

I feel fine, and all the people I know that smoke feel fine, where is all this overwhelming evidence that the drug causes mental illness?

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"Anyway, no drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power." ~P.J. O'Rourke

killer12382

You're just saying that. In reality, you are completely addicted to the demon weed. You smoke it all the time. You've sold all your worldly possessions to obtain the next bong hit. The voices in your head tell you to keep smoking no matter what and forsaking all others. Your mother and father no longer recognize you. The evil marijuana plant has robbed you of all ambitions....seek help soon or IT WILL BE TOO LATE.....GOD HELP YOU!!!!!!

FitShaced

Marijuana-Funnest method of going crazy EVER!!!
(takes BT)
BRING ON THE CRAZY WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Buzzby

Can anyone tell me what "punters" means in this context? I don't think he's referring to people who kick footballs, people who push little boats with poles, people who bet on horse races, or people who frequent prostitutes.

Is anyone out there up on current British colloquialisms?

"America and England: two nations separated by a common language."

 

killer12382

I can only ASSUME it means the common people....WTF, it's as good a guess as any.

urania3

It means "the paying public" or "customer." It's more common in London and Essex. It's slang for "the common Joe" in this context.

Damn limeys...

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Why is it that we cannot face the simple truth? Religion is at best unsubstantiated superstition. (Massimo Pigliucci)