---<br /> Political leaders will today be warned that reclassifying cannabis could <br /> lead to the "shameful" discriminatory treatment of black people in the <br /> mental health system.<br /> <br /> Lord Adebowale, chief executive of the social care charity Turning Point, <br /> will warn that as a consequence of the renewed debate, African or Caribbean <br /> people with a mental health problem may be diagnosed with cannabis-induced <br /> psychosis on the basis of very little evidence.<br /> <br /> Ministers have asked the advisory committee on the misuse of drugs to <br /> review the reclassification of cannabis as a less-dangerous class C drug in <br /> light of "emerging evidence" of a link with a deterioration of mental <br /> health. The change last year made cannabis possession in many cases a <br /> non-arrestable offence.<br /> <br /> The Tory leader, Michael Howard, has said that a Conservative government <br /> would reverse the downgrading - a position urged by several tabloid newspapers.<br /> <br /> Lord Adebowale, a member of the advisory committee, will today express <br /> dismay that the two main parties may be pandering to media bias. He will <br /> say he is surprised by the government's move and is unconvinced that there <br /> is sufficient fresh scientific evidence to warrant it.<br /> <br /> His comments will come in an address in a personal capacity to an <br /> international drugs conference in London, which is being supported by the <br /> Guardian. He is later expected to repeat his message in the House of Lords <br /> during a debate on the second reading of the drugs bill.<br /> <br /> While not denying that cannabis use may compound mental health problems, <br /> Lord Adebowale will argue that any review must be led by fact, rather than <br /> prejudice.<br /> <br /> "In particular, the current media portrayal raises fears around the impact <br /> on those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. It is shameful that <br /> stereotypes still influence the diagnosis and treatment that black people <br /> receive, leading to lack of access to appropriate assessment, treatment and <br /> care.<br /> <br /> "The growing stereotype of 'cannabis psychosis' ... could exacerbate this <br /> state of affairs." Studies show that black people are far more likely than <br /> average to be diagnosed with conditions such as schizophrenia and treated <br /> compulsorily with strong medication.<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 |