The reclassification of cannabis to a Class B drug will not affect the way in which Scottish police deal with cases involving the substance.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has indicated his desire to see cannabis return to a Class B classification, after it was downgraded to Class C in 2004.
But the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency, which has the lead responsibility for dealing with illegal drugs in Scotland, says current approaches will continue unchanged.
William MacColl, National Drugs Co-ordinator said:
“The police in Scotland consider the current arrangements are effective and will continue to tackle dealers head on – we will also continue to educate the children and young people of the harms and risks associated with all drugs so that ultimately through education and early intervention we will successfully reduce the demand for these drugs.
“Granted we prioritise our work in line with government strategies in relation to drugs but it is also our responsibility to concentrate on the organised criminals that peddle their illicit wares and blight our society. In many of our operations we see criminals who are involved in trafficking a range of drugs. They are often intent on grooming their customers and ultimately aim to sell them their harder and more harmful drugs. It is up to us all in society to tackle those dealers who peddle misery in our communities and to remove them from our streets.”
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in England and Wales has indicated that its policy of ‘confiscate and caution’ will not change even if the drug is reclassified. English police have taken the stance since the 2004 change in classification on the ground that arresting and processing people found with small amounts of the drug is not the best use of police resources.
An ACPO spokesman said:
“The key will be the discretion for officers to strike the right balance. We do not want to criminalise young people who are experimenting.”
Police on both sides of the border will continue to treat serious cannabis offences, such as trafficking and cultivation, with grave concern. The move back to Class B means the maximum jail term for possession will be increased from two to five years.
One person has commented on this article. 1. Cannabis re-classification won't change Scottish police attitud
Anonymous, Unregistered I would like them to reclassify drink because of the misery and destruction it can cause and not just attack the hash smoker who has paid taxes, never been in trouble but suffers severe pain. I go to work each day and it's what works. I don't want to end up popping pills or drinking. I'm in my 40s and it should be my choice
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