Latest Expert Witness News

Cannabis ruling condemned by drugs experts

Cannabis is to have its classification raised by the UK government from a class C drug -- to class B.

It will bring with it a higher jail term of five years for users. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith told parliament she wanted to reverse Tony Blair's 2004 downgrading because of an alarming use of a stronger strain of the drug known as 'skunk'.

The decision flies in the face of a recommendation from the government's own drugs experts to leave the rating unchanged. The Advisory Council described cannabis as a "significant public health issue" but said the health risks were not as serious as those of class B substances.

In a separate move, newly-elected Mayor of London Boris Johnson has unveiled plans to ban alcohol on public transport in the capital. From June 1, passengers on London underground trains and buses will be denied use of the network if they are carrying open containers of alcohol.

The ban reflects concerns about the growth of binge drinking in the UK and the anti-social behaviour which often accompanies it. But the transport union says the change in the law will be unenforceable as they do not have enough staff to police the ban.

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