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Cannabis users face £80 fine then ‘three strikes and you’re jailed’
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor13 Oct 2008
CANNABIS users will face £80 on-the-spot fines under a crackdown announced today by the Home Office.
The fines will apply to any person caught twice in possession of cannabis and will come into effect in January when the drug is upgraded to a class B substance.
Third-time offenders found with the drug after being given a fine will face prosecution and the prospect of tougher punishment, including a jail term of up to five years. When a person is caught for the first time, police will give a formal warning rather than a more severe penalty.
The aim of the system, unveiled today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, is to ensure the upgrading of cannabis from its class C status can be properly and easily enforced.
Ms Smith said: “I am extremely concerned about the use of stronger strains of cannabis, such as skunk, and the harm they can cause to mental health. We need to act now to protect future generations.”
The decision to reclassify cannabis, downgraded to class C by former Home Secretary David Blunkett, was made this year by Ms Smith despite the opposition of the Home Office's own Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.
When cannabis returns to class B next year, the maximum penalty for possession will be five years in jail, up from the current two-year maximum, or an unlimited fine. Those convicted of supplying the drug will face up to 14 years in prison.
Reader views (2)
Yeah, thats the answer, criminalize it even more, thats always worked in the past, hasn't it? I mean this is the way to manipulate people into conforming with society. I shall now sit back and watch as those pesky marajuana users see the error of there ways. And surley no-one else could even think of trying some for themselves.
Am i the only person who can see that, not only maintaining 'pot' as banned substance, but increasing its criminal rating is just flogging a dead horse? Making criminals out of ordinary people who want to enjoy a smoke. Its ridiculous.
I can see all the drug dealers rubbing there hands together. Now they can hike up the price. A class B drug is worth more than a class C drug...
EDUCATION people.. Honest, truthfull information. Not contrived propoganda.. Teach our kids the facts, not bury our collective heads in the sand. If we make them smart, they will make smart choices!!!!
- Scott, Adelaide Australia, 14/10/2008 07:57
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This, from an ex-Police officer is well overdue. However, it will be interesting to see if it is put into practice. But why stop at drugs? This should be the same for all crimes. I have been advocating this for years. Ever since a trip to South Central Los Angeles and going out on patrol with Officers there. Once they brought in the three strikes rule, crime dropped by 67%.
- Paul Bradford, Monflanquin, France, 14/10/2008 07:40
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