Keep cannabis class C - classification makes no difference, claims report

Stop wasting time and money debating the classification of cannabis, and focus instead on educating people about the mental health risks.

This is mental health charity Rethink’s clear message to the government on the day that the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is due to start reviewing the classification of cannabis.

New research from the charity shows that the classification of cannabis makes no difference to how much it is used. Rethink’s report, Educating Reefer, finds that:

• Only 3% of people stop using cannabis because it is illegal
• Cannabis should remain a class C drug
• The government should deliver on its promise of a 2006 public health campaign
• Products associated with cannabis use – such as king-size rolling papers – should carry warnings about the mental health effects of cannabis 
   

Jane Harris, Rethink’s head of campaigns, said that the findings were clear.

“Given that the classification of cannabis has little impact on how much it is used, we would urge the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to recommend that the government keeps cannabis at class C. Changing the class would be pointless and expensive – Government should put their money into a public health campaign to educate people about the mental health dangers. King-size rolling papers should carry health warnings like those on cigarette packets.”

Rethink will today give oral and written evidence to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.