DrugScope: Cannabis use has fallen since it was reclassified

Wednesday, 25, Jul 2007 12:00

Drugscope, one of the UK's leading drug charities, has criticised the government for reverting to another review of whether to reclassify cannabis, saying use of the drug has actually fallen since it was reclassified as Class C.

"We fear that the review of cannabis reclassification may divert attention from other aspects of drugs policy," said DrugScope chief executive Martin Barnes.

"The issue was considered in depth by the government's expert advisory body less than two years ago and cannabis use, particularly among young people, has continued to fall."

Mr Barnes welcomed the consultation but warned that a thoughtful approach was necessary when consulting on drug issues.

"Discussion about drugs often generates more heat than light with conflicting views and opinions, so it is crucial that policy is grounded in evidence of what works best and not swayed by media or populist opinion," he said.

"There is no silver bullet which will eradicate drug use."

Along with a variety of drug charities, DrugScope encourages a public health approach to the problem, as opposed to a criminal justice approach.

"Moving forward, there needs to be a much greater emphasis on drug misuse as a public health issue, not least tackling drug-related deaths and the worrying increase in blood-borne infections among injecting drug users," Mr Barnes continued.

"The expansion in drug treatment needs to be matched by a greater focus on tackling the underlying factors contributing to drug use, such as poor housing, poverty and unemployment."