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Cannabis use has fallen significantly across all age ranges and this is a testament to the success of the previous ten year Drug Strategy. However, the reduction in cannabis use must not be allowed to reverse.

Reclassification reflects the fact that skunk, a much stronger type of the drug, now dominates the cannabis market. It accounts for 81 per cent of cannabis available on our streets compared to just 30 per cent in 2002. The average age of first use is 13 years old and young people may binge on skunk in the same way as alcohol, trying to achieve the maximum effect. If they do, the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs found that the consequences of this "may be serious to their mental health".

Reclassification

Taking effect from early 2009, the reclassification will mean:

• more robust enforcement against cannabis supply and possession, and those repeatedly caught with the drug will not just receive cannabis warnings
• a new strategic and targeted approach to tackling cannabis farms and the organised criminals behind them
• introducing additional aggravating sentencing factors for those caught supplying cannabis and other illegal substances near further and higher educational establishments, mental health institutions and prisons
• working with the Association of Chief Police Officers to look at how existing legislation and powers can be used to curtail the sale and promotion of cannabis paraphernalia
• updating and refreshing our public information messages on the harm caused by cannabis.

The Home Secretary has asked the Association of Chief Police Officers, working with the Police Federation, the Superintendents Association and Criminal Justice Partners, to propose more robust enforcement measures for policing cannabis as a Class B drug. This will make clear that penalties for adults must be escalated following any cannabis warning and that police officers will not be precluded from arresting for a first offence.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:

"Cannabis is and always has been illegal. It now dominates the illegal drugs market in the UK and is stronger than ever before.

"There is accumulating evidence, reflected in the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs report, showing that the use of stronger cannabis may increase the harm to mental health. Some young people may be 'binge smoking' to achieve maximum possible intoxication which may be very serious to their mental health."

Related websites

• Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (opens new window)