Today, the government announced new penalties for cannabis possession that could come into force when the drug is upgraded to class B in January 2009.
Under the new proposals, people caught carrying cannabis for a second time would face an on-the-spot fine of £80 instead of a warning, while anyone caught in possession a third time would be arrested.
The new penalties are the latest move following the Home Office's decision to return cannabis to class B. The drug had been downgraded to class C in 2004, but the government said concerns over the availability of stronger "skunk" strains had prompted their decision to reclassify it.
The decision, first announced in May this year, went against the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. The council's independent review of expert evidence surrounding the harms of cannabis led them to recommend that the drug retain class C status. Earlier this year DrugScope expressed "disappointment" at the government's decision to ignore the council's advice.
Announcing the new penalties, the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith reiterated the government's stance on reclassification, saying:
"While cannabis has always been illegal, reclassifying it to a class B drug reinforces our message to everyone that it is harmful and should not be taken.
"Fewer people are taking cannabis, but it is crucial that this trend continues. I am extremely concerned about the use of stronger strains of cannabis, such as skunk, and the harm they can cause to mental health."
