01/11/2007 00:00:00
UK: Drug classification beset by confusion
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In looking at the reclassification of cannabis in 2004 you claim
"Ministers are coy about the success of their policy" in reducing use
(Leaders, October 29). Let us be careful about spurious associations. In
fact, cannabis use among school children was broadly stable according to
a 2001-03 English school survey and has since declined. For adults,
according to the British Crime Survey, cannabis use peaked in 2002-03
and has subsequently declined. The classification of a drug has little
bearing on its prevalence, as the figures demonstrate. There is no
evidence here or internationally that the particular classification of a
controlled drug acts as a deterrent to use. Economic, social and
cultural factors, along with availability, are the stronger influences.
There is a general confusion surrounding the purpose and function of the
classification system. In the UK it currently provides a steer to
national and local policing priorities, prosecution and sentencing
practice. Given the recent history of the debate about cannabis, we
consider that a review of the entire basis of the classification system
and the process for making decisions on drug classifications is overdue.
We have made this point in our recent submission to the government
consultation about its revised drug strategy. In particular, the
opportunity should be taken to review the role of politicians in making
decisions about the classification of controlled drugs - for example, to
explore whether there are models that place decision-making outside of
ministerial influence, as has happened with national statistics, the new
Independent Safeguarding Authority and interest rates.
Roger Howard
Chief executive, UK Drug Policy Commission
http://www.guardian.co.uk/letters/story/0,,2202660,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=society
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=12970
Author:
The Guardian via UKCIA
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