Young people 'get the message' on cannabis reclassification

Nearly all young people have got the message that cannabis is illegal, according to a new study published today by the Home Office.

Cannabis was reclassified from a class B to a class C drug on January 29, following advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, to allow the police to focus on the class A drugs which do the most harm.

Research – following the government's £1 million FRANK advertising campaign which aimed to educate the public on the change in the law – showed that 93% of 14 to 17 year olds surveyed understood that cannabis is illegal.

Home Office Drugs Minister, Caroline Flint, said: "Cannabis is a harmful drug and remains illegal. I'm pleased that the FRANK adverts caught teenagers' attention and helped them understand the change in the law and that cannabis remains illegal and harmful. By the end of the campaign significantly more young people knew that they would be arrested for possession and, encouragingly, fewer teenagers would take cannabis if offered it.

"This is just the first phase of our drive to make sure people, of whatever age, know the dangers and side effects of taking cannabis."

The campaign ran for four weeks in January and February this year. Under 18s were a particular focus of the campaign which included radio adverts, leaflets and an information pack sent out to all schools drug advisors, drug action teams, drug charities, health organisations and student unions.

According to the Home Office, of those surveyed: 45% had heard the FRANK radio ads; 93% knew cannabis is illegal; 61% were aware of the changes to the cannabis law compared to 38% before the campaign; and 58% felt confident that they are aware of the repercussions of cannabis possession and 64% for dealing.

Anyone who wants to know more about cannabis reclassification or the risks of other drugs can contact the FRANK website and helpline 0800 77 66 00 or www.talktofrank.com

(gmcg)