---<br /> <br /> <br /> A truly comprehensive review of cannabis policy would be welcome<br /> <br /> When the Government opted to reclassify cannabis as a Class C rather than <br /> Class B drug in January 2004, this newspaper cautiously supported that <br /> move, provided that the medical evidence was kept under constant review. To <br /> that extent, there can be no objection to Charles Clarke, the Home <br /> Secretary, asking the Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs to look <br /> again at this matter and to consider whether different types of cannabis <br /> might merit different classifications.<br /> <br /> It is important, though, that the medical aspects of this investigation are <br /> free of any political element. Recent studies on the behavioural aspects of <br /> cannabis use conducted at the University of Otago in New Zealand and at <br /> Maastricht University, while not wholly original, add fresh weight to an <br /> existing and important field of research. Ministers could also hardly <br /> ignore a striking new analysis by the Dutch authorities which implies that <br /> certain varieties of "skunk" are considerably more potent and dangerous <br /> than standard cannabis resin. If this expert committee concludes either <br /> that the reclassification has been superseded by events or that a division <br /> should be made in the legal status of cannabis, the Home Secretary would be <br /> well advised to take that counsel seriously.<br /> <br /> It is not, however, the only aspect of this issue that should be <br /> considered. Two forceful arguments were originally put forward in favour of <br /> reforming the old law on narcotics. The first concerned the balance of <br /> evidence of the harm associated with cannabis. The second related to the <br /> amount spent by the police in chasing people whose principal "crime" was <br /> putting themselves at potential risk and who were otherwise law-abiding <br /> citizens.<br /> <br /> A comprehensive review of cannabis policy has to look at how the <br /> reclassification has been pursued across police forces, what needless <br /> inconsistencies have occurred as a consequence and whether admittedly often <br /> anecdotal suggestions that much time has been saved through a less rigid <br /> approach to cannabis and those who use it are in fact true.<br /> <br /> If a fundamental review of the evidence implies that cannabis is <br /> considerably more of a threat than previously believed, the medical aspect <br /> of this debate will have to be awarded more weight than the impact of <br /> reclassification on policing. The strong suspicion, however, is that the <br /> medical debate will not be resolved so clearly. There will be heated <br /> discussion on the effects of cannabis on those using it at a particular <br /> level of intensity over a long period. Even if a consensus could then be <br /> reached, a doubtful assertion, argument will still rage over whether the <br /> effect of cannabis is truly equivalent to that of other Class B drugs, or <br /> indeed to items such as alcohol or tobacco which have not been criminalised.<br /> <br /> Mr Clarke has kicked this controversy into the long grass. The review he <br /> has commissioned will not even start until almost a month after polling <br /> day. He should make it clear, nonetheless, when the issue re-emerges, that <br /> every implication of any attempt wholly or partly to reclassify cannabis <br /> will be examined before implementation.<br /> <br /> <br />Aurora Indica |  B52 |  Big Bud |  California Orange Bud |  Citral |  Four Way |  Haze |  Hindu Kush |  Indoor Mix |  Jock Horror |  K2 |  Maroc x Afghan |  Northern Light x Big Bud |  Northern Light x Haze |  Northern Light x Shiva |  Shiva |  Skunk #1 |  Skunk Red Hair |  Skunk Special |  Papaya |  White Rhino |  Haze 19 x Skunk |  Afghan |  Master Kush |  Northern Light |  Super Skunk |  Top 44 |  Durban Poison |  Early Bud |  Early Girl |  Early Misty |  Early Special |  Hawaii x Maui Waui |  Hawaii x Skunk #1 |  Hollands Hope |  KC 33 x Master Kush |  Mixed Sativa |  New Purple Power |  Swazi |  Swiss Miss |  Northern Bright |  Snow White (fem.) |  Supergirl |  Venus |  Wonder Woman |  Kaya |  PPP (fem.) |  Medusa |  Blue Mystic |  Chrystal |  Ice |  Misty |  PPP |  White Widow |  Nirvana Special |  White Rhino |  Snow White |  AK-48 |  Bubblelicious |  Silver Pearl |  Haze |  Jock Horror |  Northern Light x Haze |  White Rhino |  Haze 19 x Skunk |