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21.11.05

Advisory Council advises against reversing reclassification of cannabis

The following report apeared in news in brief in the Sunday Times 20.11.05

"Cannabis to remain on low-risk list

CANNABIS is to keep its listing as a low-risk drug. The Home Office downgraded the drug to class C in 2004, meaning it has a low risk of addiction and few long-term health hazards. The government's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs found that although there was evidence linking cannabis and mental illness, it was not strong enough to justify raising its classification. "

Although this news has not apparently been announced on any official Government websites at time of writing (21.11.05) information recieved by Transform and an earlier story in the Independent newspaper suggest it is correct.

The Home Secretary will now decide how to act on this advice and we can expect an announcement from the Home Office in the next few days.

Further information, background and discussion:

Transform briefing on cannabis reclassification 2003

Transform briefing on cannabis reclassification revisited 2005