To B or not to B? The question of cannabis reclassification.

10:03am Tuesday 1st July 2008

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Cannabis is a can of worms: complex and controversial.

With an estimated 2 million regular cannabis users in the UK alone, there is a tendency for many to think that the effects of cannabis are minimal- but are too many people putting their health to pot?

We read the seemingly outlandish' stories of a single spliff leading to a life surrendered to the horrors of schizophrenia and psychosis.

We read about the addictive nature of the substance and the increased presence and trading skunk on the streets. We read about how a temporary high can lead to long-term depression and dependency.

But are the dangers of cannabis being conveyed properly to the public?

Many argue that cannabis' classification is one of the main reasons for its wide and casual use. Cannabis is a Class C drug. The maximum penalties for supply, dealing, production and trafficking of the drug is 14 years imprisonment and if caught with possession of the drug, police are eligible to arrest and charge perpetrators, who, if continuously warned, may be referred to the Youth Offending Team where they will be advised or obligated to attend rehabilitation sessions to prevent them from continuous offending.

Other drugs in the Class C category include tranquilisers, valium and anabolic steroids.

The image of a Class C drug concerns different interest groups. These groups range from parents and educators, concerned with protecting the vulnerable, doctors and medics who are passionate for the right to use cannabis medically, police who need to uphold the law and the addicts who need help, support and advice to treat their habit.

Many parents and educators argue that as a Class C drug, cannabis is interpreted by users and prospective users as less serious and essentially, something to help users get high' with little worries or side effects.

Meanwhile, doctors and medics are wary that a reclassification to Class B would mean that the drug's use in the medical world will never be allowed- cannabis used as pain relief remains illegal.

Though possession of a Class B drug has the same maximum imprisonment penalty, police worry that reclassification may cause the street value of the drug to rise, leading in increased trafficking and profit, as well as increased use by those who think they are hardcore' using the drug.

Many users argue that the legal classification of cannabis makes no change to their perception of the risks involved until they withdraw themselves from the drug.

To quote James Langton, author of No Need for Weed: Understanding And Breaking Cannabis Dependency' and founder of cannabis support website Clearhead', perhaps the fact that cannabis is so widely used, literally by millions of people in this country, present the opportunity for a unique classification, one that makes its illegality crystal clear for those below 18 years of age whilst at the same time emphasising its specific dangers to users of all ages.' There is a need for people to be educated on the dangers of cannabis.

It can cause people to become anxious, panicky and suspicious and people who take the drug regularly have an increased tendency to suffer from paranoia.

Cannabis also effects one's coordination - drug driving is as illegal as drink driving, as the risks are even.

Cannabis, though derived from a plant, isn't harmless. Like tobacco, it contains chemicals which can cause lung disease and cancer with long-term and heavy use, and can worsen lung conditions such as asthma. Cannabis is often mixed with tobacco, which can increase the risk of disease.

Frequent use of cannabis can affect our reproductive systems- it can cut a man's sperm count and suppress ovulation in females.

Cannabis also has mental impacts- heavy users can find it difficult to learn and concentrate, and can also feel like they lack energy and motivation. There is also increasing evidence of a link between cannabis and mental health problems including schizophrenia- UK experts state that Cannabis users are 40 per cent more likely than non-users to suffer a psychotic illness.

Last year, Prime Minister Gordon Brown expressed an interest on reclassifying cannabis as Class B, amid reports that more potent strains such as skunk are becoming more widely available, and that it is such strains that have more long-term, negative impacts on users.

The Home Secretary has recommended that cannabis should be reclassified to a Class B and this decision also reflects that skunk now dominates the UK market- from a share of 30 per cent in 2002 to an estimated figure of 81 per cent in 2008.

A change from C to B would mean more robust enforcement' against the supply and possession of cannabis, with more drastic consequences than warnings if those are caught in possession.

There will be a new strategic and targeted approach to tackling cannabis farms and the organised criminals who run them, as well as more sentencing factors concerning where the drugs are supplied.

There is also talk about laws being enforced so that people can be arrested when in possession, even if it is their first time caught.

Perhaps it is the reasons why people turn to cannabis that needs to be tackled. Enforcing stronger laws is not going to stop the circulation of the drug or immediately change its image.

There are numerous reasons why people decide to use the drug. Some people use cannabis to help them deal with stress, turn off from the world and help them sleep. For others it is simple experimentation that can lead to psychological dependency.

Some people just want that feel good feeling' that cannabis appears to be able to give. A former addict once defined getting high as a release of pressure, an increased sensitivity, a freeing of the imagination, an almost imperceptible bending of consciousness, a near dreamlike state, a physical feeling of warmth like being wrapped up in a blanket.' Perhaps this is why many people turn to cannabis - for that feeling of warmth, security and belonging. Personally, I'm a strong believer in fighting through the bad times alone- so long as you aren't lonely.

I don't believe in turning to chemical substances, whether it be drugs, alcohol or any other dependency to help get me by. For me, anything that alters my brain chemistry, whether it be good in the form of getting high' or bad in the form of paranoia or other negative effects, is a no-go zone. I hate the feeling of losing control, which is why drug experimentation will never be something I am tempted by.

Before the Government and society decides on cannabis reclassification, there is a need for its popularity to be explained and for the reasons why people turn to cannabis to be tackled. Only then can we truly understand the drug and then move onto the issues of classification and limiting its widespread use.

Personally, I view an illegal drug as an illegal drug, regardless of class. The dangers may vary but the bottom line is, they aren't good for you. I'm all for getting high - in the natural sense. I don't think people need to turn to illegal substances for this, and there are alternatives to relieving stress.

Society needs to raise awareness on the dangers of cannabis whilst simultaneously tackling the reasons for its popularity.

For support and advice on cannabis dependency and addiction, please visit clearhead.org.uk.