Sir, There are numerous very compelling reasons for restoring cannabis to Class B. In 2002 the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) — which will soon complete its latest report on the subject, with oral evidence being heard on February 5 — said: “Since cannabis use has only been commonplace in the past 30 years there may be worse news to come.”

That “worse news” is all too apparent in the research documents highlighted in another report, written by Mary Brett and submitted to the Social Justice Policy Group (Addictions), published in 2006 and updated this month. The worst of it is undoubtedly the neuro-psychological damage suffered by the increasingly younger users among the 500 people per week seeking treatment for cannabis use. When cannabis was downgraded in 2004 we were promised a public health campaign on cannabis and mental illness.

Further impairment of the central nervous system is evidenced in the changed personality and declining academic performance, dependence, aggression, adversely affected driving and progression to other drugs, all covered in this comprehensive scientific document, sent to the ACMD and endorsed by the undersigned. Also reported are the harms caused to the immune, reproductive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

The regrading of cannabis would send strong signals, not only to the young people of Britain but all over the world, where other countries are watching our every move.

Professor Heather Ashton

Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychopharmacology, University of Newcastle

Professor Eric Voth, MD, FACP

Chairman, Institute on Global Drug Policy, and Editor in Chief, The Journal of Global Drug Policy and Practice

Dr Ian Oliver

Former Chief Constable of Central Scotland and Grampian Police and International Consultant on Drugs to the UN

Dr Anthony Seldon

Master, Wellington College, Berksmary brett

Biologist, UK Spokesman for Europe Against Drugs

David Raynes

International, Customs, Organised Crime & Drugs Enforcement Consultant and member of the International task Force on Strategic Drug Policy

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