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13/10/2008
Tougher Penalties For Cannabis Offenders Announced
Repeat cannabis offenders are to face tougher penalties under new reforms just announced by Home secretary Jacqui Smith.
People caught carrying the Class C drug for a second time could now face an on-the-spot fine of £80 instead of a warning.
This was announced alongside a Parliamentary Order laid to reclassify the drug to Class B from 26 January 2009.
The Government has accepted the Association of Chief Police Officers' proposal for a strengthened and escalating enforcement approach for possession in England and Wales, after links were made to stronger strains of the drug - such as skunk - which now dominate the illegal UK cannabis drug market, to an increase in mental health problems.
Under Penalty Notice for Disorder proposals, which the Ministry of Justice will shortly consult on, those caught with cannabis on a first occasion could still get a cannabis warning, but on a second instance are likely to face a £80 fine and arrest if caught for a third time.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "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 mental health."
The proposed new escalation of penalties will ensure the police and courts have a range of sanctions at their disposal so that the punishment is proportionate to the offence.
The Association of Chief Police Officers' Lead on Drugs and Chief Constable of Humberside Police Tim Hollis said: "There is evidence of increasing harms to community safety associated with criminal behaviour around the cultivation, distribution and the use of cannabis.
"While enforcement alone will not provide the total solution to a crime that is a global problem, this will act as a deterrent, along with better education about the impact of drugs."
(JM)
People caught carrying the Class C drug for a second time could now face an on-the-spot fine of £80 instead of a warning.
This was announced alongside a Parliamentary Order laid to reclassify the drug to Class B from 26 January 2009.
The Government has accepted the Association of Chief Police Officers' proposal for a strengthened and escalating enforcement approach for possession in England and Wales, after links were made to stronger strains of the drug - such as skunk - which now dominate the illegal UK cannabis drug market, to an increase in mental health problems.
Under Penalty Notice for Disorder proposals, which the Ministry of Justice will shortly consult on, those caught with cannabis on a first occasion could still get a cannabis warning, but on a second instance are likely to face a £80 fine and arrest if caught for a third time.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "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 mental health."
The proposed new escalation of penalties will ensure the police and courts have a range of sanctions at their disposal so that the punishment is proportionate to the offence.
The Association of Chief Police Officers' Lead on Drugs and Chief Constable of Humberside Police Tim Hollis said: "There is evidence of increasing harms to community safety associated with criminal behaviour around the cultivation, distribution and the use of cannabis.
"While enforcement alone will not provide the total solution to a crime that is a global problem, this will act as a deterrent, along with better education about the impact of drugs."
(JM)
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