---<br /> <br /> Home Secretary Charles Clarke has asked his independent advisers to <br /> reassess the dangers of cannabis in the light of new medical research, it <br /> has been revealed.<br /> <br /> Mr Clarke asked for particular guidance on the Dutch government's plans to <br /> introduce a higher classification for more potent types of dope.<br /> <br /> He also highlighted recent studies which suggested a link between cannabis <br /> use and mental illness. Former home secretary David Blunkett downgraded the <br /> drug from Class B to Class C - placing it alongside steroids and some <br /> prescription anti-depressants - in January last year. The move made most <br /> cases of cannabis possession a non-arrestable offence.<br /> <br /> In a letter to the chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs <br /> (ACMD), Professor Sir Michael Rawlins, Mr Clarke said: "I think there is <br /> merit in the Advisory Council assessing whether their position is at all <br /> changed by the emerging evidence."<br /> <br /> Asked if the letter's reference to the Dutch proposals indicated Mr Clarke <br /> was considering a two-level classification system for cannabis in this <br /> country, Home Office spokeswoman said: "That will be a matter for the <br /> review to report on.<br /> <br /> "Depending on what comes up they will discuss that with the Association of <br /> Chief Police Officers. At this stage there is nothing to inform that."<br /> <br /> In the House of Commons earlier this month Mr Clarke resisted demands from <br /> Tory spokeswoman Cheryl Gillan to re-think cannabis policy. His letter, <br /> released by the Home Office, referred to a New Zealand study which <br /> considered how regular cannabis use increased the risk of developing <br /> psychotic symptoms later in life.<br /> <br /> It also highlighted a report from Maastricht University which concluded use <br /> of the drug "moderately increases" the risk of psychotic symptoms in young <br /> people but has "a much stronger effect in those with evidence of <br /> predisposition for psychosis".<br /> <br /> Mr Clarke went on: "I want to be clear what influence the evidence <br /> presented within these studies has on the overall assessment of the <br /> classification of cannabis. I would also welcome advice on claims of <br /> increased prevalence of cannabis with high levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol <br /> (THC).<br /> <br /> "Typically these are grown hydroponically and are known as 'skunk' <br /> varieties of cannabis. I am aware the Dutch Government are taking a <br /> particular interest in very high-strength strains and are considering <br /> whether cannabis above a certain strength should be a higher classification."<br /> <br /> Copyright Press Association Ltd 2005, All Rights Reserved.<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 |