'No need to reclassify cannabis'

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A report from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) concluded that the health risks of cannabis were not as serious as those of Class B substances.

The report was published as Home Secretary Jacqui Smith prepared to address MPs on the issue,

It acknowledged that the greatest cause for concern was the possible effect of the drug on mental health.

The report said the evidence pointed to a "probable, but weak, causal link between psychotic illness, including schizophrenia, and cannabis use".

However, in the population as a whole, cannabis played only a "modest role" in the development of these conditions.

Ms Smith is expected to signal the reclassification of cannabis despite the experts' view.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown wants the drug reclassified to B amid particular concerns about the prevalence of the stronger "skunk" variety.

Sir Michael Rawlings, chairman of the ACMD, said: "Cannabis can unquestionably cause harm to individuals and society and the ACMD is very concerned about its widespread use, particularly among young people.

"After careful scrutiny of the available evidence, the ACMD considers - based on its harmfulness to individuals and society - that cannabis should remain a Class C substance. However, the ACMD wishes to emphasise that cannabis is still a significant public health issue."