Tories pledge to reverse cannabis downgrading

The Tories have pledged to reverse the government's decision to downgrade cannabis should they regain power at the next general election.

Cannabis will be officially downgraded from Class B to C on January 29, following the Home Secretary's decision yesterday. From that date, possession of a small quantity of the drug will only result in a police caution rather than arrest.

Opposition leader Michael Howard said that the move offered young people a confusing and mixed message. Under a Conservative government, he said, cannabis would be restored to its Class B status. Mr Howard was also critical of Labour for pumping £1 million of public money into an advertising campaign in support of the reclassification decision.

The Folkstone & Hyth MP warned that the change was "muddled and confusing… absurd… and without logic".

"After thinking about this very carefully, we have come to the view that the government's decision is completely misconceived. And when we return to office, we will reclassify cannabis back to Class B," he said.

Shadow Home Secretary David Davis further accused Mr Blunkett of "unbelievable arrogance" after he ruled out reclassification of cannabis even if next week's switch to Class C category does not work.

(gmcg)