Why reclassify cannabis?
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) – the statutory, independent Government advisory body tasked to keep drug misuse and the legislation under review – advised the Home Secretary that cannabis is harmful, but not as harmful as other Class B drugs, such as the amphetamines. However, in January 2009, cannabis was reclassified back to a class B drug from a class C drug. 2. What will be the legal effect of reclassification? Cannabis, as a Class B drug, remains controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and possessing it remains a criminal offence, and the maximum penalties for possession is 5 years imprisonment. The maximum penalties for supplying and dealing in cannabis is still 14 years imprisonment. 3. By increasing trafficking penalties and introducing power of arrest for possession of cannabis, isn’t the Government sending mixed messages? The Government sees no reason why it should. Tough trafficking penalties need to be available to the courts in the small number o
