Top cop blasts cannabis reclassification
The most senior policeman in Brighton and Hove has accused politicians of
"fiddling while Rome burns" by reclassifying cannabis as a Class B drug.
Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce said the Government's decision would have no
effect on the vast majority of drug-related crimes, which stem from heroin
and crack cocaine addiction.
And he called for politicians to confront Class A drug abuse as a social
problem and consider radical moves like offering addicts drugs on
prescription rather than concentrate on details like the classification of
cannabis.
His comments came on the day cocaine boss Lorenzo Sirignano was jailed for
24 years for running a drug smuggling and dealing ring in the city.
Ch Supt Pearce criticised politicians for focusing on cannabis instead of
confronting head-on the issues surrounding heroin and crack abuse -
including the possibility of decriminalisation.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today announced a u-turn by the Government
on the way cannabis is classified.
The decision caused controversy because a review by the Advisory
Council on the Misuse of Drugs concluded the drug should remain Class C.
9:22pm Wednesday 7th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Winston Matthews, Horley, Surrey on 10:37pm Wed 7 May 08
Thank goodness Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce is talking sense, this is pure distraction, with the recreational drugs, such as nicotine, alcohol, that we have on offer, being unpalatable for myself and a lot others, I would prefer to have cannabis , as my main recreational drug, and would pay tax for the privilege of peace.
But suprisingly not, they wont take my money, or the advice from experts at the ACMD, the Government would rather lock us away, at a considerable cost, when Legalisation could make us so much money.
Thank goodness Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce is talking sense, this is pure distraction, with the recreational drugs, such as nicotine, alcohol, that we have on offer, being unpalatable for myself and a lot others, I would prefer to have cannabis , as my main recreational drug, and would pay tax for the privilege of peace.
But suprisingly not, they wont take my money, or the advice from experts at the ACMD, the Government would rather lock us away, at a considerable cost, when Legalisation could make us so much money.
Posted by: Mr mackie, Soth park on 10:40pm Wed 7 May 08
See children, drugs are bahhhd
And if you don’t believe me, ask ya dahhhd
And if you don’t believe him, ask ya mom
She’ll tell you how she does em all the time
So kids say no to drugs
So you don’t act like everyone else does
Then there’s really nothin else to say
Drugs are just bad, mmmkay?
See children, drugs are bahhhd
And if you don’t believe me, ask ya dahhhd
And if you don’t believe him, ask ya mom
She’ll tell you how she does em all the time
So kids say no to drugs
So you don’t act like everyone else does
Then there’s really nothin else to say
Drugs are just bad, mmmkay?
Posted by: NoVictimNoCrime, London on 10:44pm Wed 7 May 08
Its quite scary to think that there more worried about cannabis than heroin, crack or cocaine. I have not heard Jacqui Spliff say anything about those deadly drugs but yet she wants to talk about cannabis all day long. Police imo have better things to do with their time, why spend a whole day writing reports for a cannabis arrest when you can spend that time actively looking for robbers, rapists etc.The Govt claim to want to protect the young,if so why have they pushed cannabis further into the blackmarket which only means the young will be able to purchase it more freely.If they want to protect the young the only way is to control and regulate it through outlets with age limits etc.
Its quite scary to think that there more worried about cannabis than heroin, crack or cocaine. I have not heard Jacqui Spliff say anything about those deadly drugs but yet she wants to talk about cannabis all day long. Police imo have better things to do with their time, why spend a whole day writing reports for a cannabis arrest when you can spend that time actively looking for robbers, rapists etc.The Govt claim to want to protect the young,if so why have they pushed cannabis further into the blackmarket which only means the young will be able to purchase it more freely.If they want to protect the young the only way is to control and regulate it through outlets with age limits etc.
Posted by: jayne, hove on 11:37pm Wed 7 May 08
Just because the government is failing to deal with heroin and crack does not mean they should give up on cannabis. It is definitely a gateway drug and very bad for your health in some cases, possibly leading to psychotic episodes and murder or suicide. I am amazed and ashamed to live in a society that accepts this is normal behaviour, and hate to see or smell cannabis in the street being openly used, its not cool or clever, its very stupid.
Just because the government is failing to deal with heroin and crack does not mean they should give up on cannabis. It is definitely a gateway drug and very bad for your health in some cases, possibly leading to psychotic episodes and murder or suicide. I am amazed and ashamed to live in a society that accepts this is normal behaviour, and hate to see or smell cannabis in the street being openly used, its not cool or clever, its very stupid.
Posted by: OH MY GOD, Barnstonworth on 3:53am Thu 8 May 08
[bold]JACKIE 'DUNCE' SMITH IS A DINNER LADY DRESSED UP LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF MORSE! WHAT A MORON AND TO THINK THIS IS UK POLITICS TODAY ,HER LATEST ONE IS FULL BODY SEARCHES IN SWIMMING POOLS[/bold] .
JACKIE 'DUNCE' SMITH IS A DINNER LADY DRESSED UP LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF MORSE! WHAT A MORON AND TO THINK THIS IS UK POLITICS TODAY ,HER LATEST ONE IS FULL BODY SEARCHES IN SWIMMING POOLS .
Posted by: liz, brighton on 8:06am Thu 8 May 08
cannabis is a gateway drug,, and it can get kids into all sorts of trouble. they steal for it, , and they do things that they would not do if they were not under the influence, so many kids now have mental health problems, because they took to much to young, i have spoken to o many mums who have lost there children because of cannabis, and these kids never return, they live in a drugged world. Walk down western road and see what drugs and alcohol have done to peoples minds. Brighton seems to attract the dregs of society
cannabis is a gateway drug,, and it can get kids into all sorts of trouble. they steal for it, , and they do things that they would not do if they were not under the influence, so many kids now have mental health problems, because they took to much to young, i have spoken to o many mums who have lost there children because of cannabis, and these kids never return, they live in a drugged world. Walk down western road and see what drugs and alcohol have done to peoples minds. Brighton seems to attract the dregs of society
Posted by: clive, brighton on 8:10am Thu 8 May 08
The goverment wont even listen to their own advisors, What chance have we got of them listening to us, the voters?
The goverment wont even listen to their own advisors, What chance have we got of them listening to us, the voters?
Posted by: David Gilbert - DARE UK on 8:54am Thu 8 May 08
I think Chief Supt Pierce needs to take into account the massive amount of work that has gone into the formulation of the new national drugs strategy before making remarks about politicians meddling. The strategy is well written an very comprehensive in nature and deals extensively with the the hard end of illegal drugs misuse and supply. The class C/B debate addresses a hole in current arrangements and is evidence of the Govt listening to ACPO and other professionals that have observed a more relaxed attitude towards what is the illegal drug of choice by young people.
I think Chief Supt Pierce needs to take into account the massive amount of work that has gone into the formulation of the new national drugs strategy before making remarks about politicians meddling. The strategy is well written an very comprehensive in nature and deals extensively with the the hard end of illegal drugs misuse and supply. The class C/B debate addresses a hole in current arrangements and is evidence of the Govt listening to ACPO and other professionals that have observed a more relaxed attitude towards what is the illegal drug of choice by young people.
Posted by: SS, Brighton on 9:24am Thu 8 May 08
Cannabis is not a gateway drug, alcohol is the gateway drug. I drank before I smoked so which one is to blame. And we should worry more about chemicals than a natural substance.
Cannabis is not a gateway drug, alcohol is the gateway drug. I drank before I smoked so which one is to blame. And we should worry more about chemicals than a natural substance.
Posted by: bob, lewes on 9:32am Thu 8 May 08
ITs pretty obvious that Cannabis is a convenient way for the government to be seen to be doing something headline grabbing about drugs in general, when we all know there are other drugs out there causing more serious problems - both socially acceptable ones such as alcohol adn tobacco and harder ones such as heroin and cocaine where authorities have got as far as they can go with enforcement already.
Reclassification wont change anything apart from reduce usage slightly if at all. If the drug was controlled then strength could be controlled too relieving the very small problem associated with a few heavy users, but the prohibition stance which has failed for decades so far will continue at all our expense with little actual effect on usage.
ITs pretty obvious that Cannabis is a convenient way for the government to be seen to be doing something headline grabbing about drugs in general, when we all know there are other drugs out there causing more serious problems - both socially acceptable ones such as alcohol adn tobacco and harder ones such as heroin and cocaine where authorities have got as far as they can go with enforcement already.
Reclassification wont change anything apart from reduce usage slightly if at all. If the drug was controlled then strength could be controlled too relieving the very small problem associated with a few heavy users, but the prohibition stance which has failed for decades so far will continue at all our expense with little actual effect on usage.
Posted by: tom m, Haughton Green, Denton on 10:19am Thu 8 May 08
[bold]I think it is a utter disgrace that cannabis has gone up to class b because Know the kids which do smoke skunk will try experimenting with other drugs in that category like amphetamines and barbiturates which are far more deadlier than cannabis ever could be.[/bold]
I think it is a utter disgrace that cannabis has gone up to class b because Know the kids which do smoke skunk will try experimenting with other drugs in that category like amphetamines and barbiturates which are far more deadlier than cannabis ever could be. Posted by: whogivesa, Brighton on 10:19am Thu 8 May 08
We would all like our kids to not take drugs - whether it's cannabis, cocaine, nicotine or alcohol. However, it just isn't going to happen, and it's about time politicians from all sides took this on board.
The only way forward is to legalise, and then tightly control all drugs. Heroin, cocaine, cannabis - the lot.
Sell the drugs from government run outlets with tight controls and not too expensive - and over night you will reduce all crime by more than 50% (addicts won't have to contsnatly steal to feed their habit) and organised crime will have to find something else to do.
By not sending people to prison for taking drugs you will free up the prisons for people who should really be in there - violent thugs and murderers.
Han in hand with this there will have to be massive penalties for anyone still found dealing.
I'm sure it would work. I don't think anymore people would take drugs than they do now. Let's face they are readily available now to anyone who wants them.
I don't think there's another solution. Prohibition didn't work in the USA. It just gave organised crime the financial base onto which to build an empire. It didn't stop people drinking.
And before anyone accuses me of being a pothead - the only drug I take is a glass of red wine now and again.
We would all like our kids to not take drugs - whether it's cannabis, cocaine, nicotine or alcohol. However, it just isn't going to happen, and it's about time politicians from all sides took this on board.
The only way forward is to legalise, and then tightly control all drugs. Heroin, cocaine, cannabis - the lot.
Sell the drugs from government run outlets with tight controls and not too expensive - and over night you will reduce all crime by more than 50% (addicts won't have to contsnatly steal to feed their habit) and organised crime will have to find something else to do.
By not sending people to prison for taking drugs you will free up the prisons for people who should really be in there - violent thugs and murderers.
Han in hand with this there will have to be massive penalties for anyone still found dealing.
I'm sure it would work. I don't think anymore people would take drugs than they do now. Let's face they are readily available now to anyone who wants them.
I don't think there's another solution. Prohibition didn't work in the USA. It just gave organised crime the financial base onto which to build an empire. It didn't stop people drinking.
And before anyone accuses me of being a pothead - the only drug I take is a glass of red wine now and again.
Posted by: T.Ruth on 3:07pm Thu 8 May 08
The proof that cannabis is a very harmful drug is here on this BBC thread, the arguments the pro-cannabis brigade are posting clearly show that they are all suffering from delusion and psychosis. One can just imagine them tapping away on their key boards between puffs on their imaginary friend (Mr Spiff) trying to convince us and even more themselves that cannabis is OK man. While the truth is they are playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette with their GREY MATTER and one day it will matter.
I am sure I am not alone, but have you noticed that all the cannabis users come across as arrogant, cocky, got all the answers, its done me no harm guv, types. Which must contribute to them being dependant on drugs of one sort or the other in the first place? Another aspect worries me just as much is the sheer number of people who are using cannabis, why is this happening, what’s behind it, I believe this is the real issue here and it needs addressing right now.
Any substance powerful enough to reignite various genetic mental illnesses in some users, must be upgraded from class C to class A. Of course all cannabis users will naturally believe in legalising cannabis and should be ignored for the reason that their ability to think logically has been seriously impaired. No one can ignore the fact that the increase in social breakdown runs parallel with the increase in the misuse of cannabis and it’s this reason more than any other that upgrading is overdue.
Well done Gordon, history will show that the upgrading of cannabis from class C to class B was the most important act your government has performed, now raise the tax allowance threshold to 12k per person and increase the basic rate pension for OAPs to £100 min per week and Labour will win the next election. Oh and, I forgot to mention, please force the banks to pass on the interest rate reductions by withdrawing all financial aid to them if they refuse to comply.
The proof that cannabis is a very harmful drug is here on this BBC thread, the arguments the pro-cannabis brigade are posting clearly show that they are all suffering from delusion and psychosis. One can just imagine them tapping away on their key boards between puffs on their imaginary friend (Mr Spiff) trying to convince us and even more themselves that cannabis is OK man. While the truth is they are playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette with their GREY MATTER and one day it will matter.
I am sure I am not alone, but have you noticed that all the cannabis users come across as arrogant, cocky, got all the answers, its done me no harm guv, types. Which must contribute to them being dependant on drugs of one sort or the other in the first place? Another aspect worries me just as much is the sheer number of people who are using cannabis, why is this happening, what’s behind it, I believe this is the real issue here and it needs addressing right now.
Any substance powerful enough to reignite various genetic mental illnesses in some users, must be upgraded from class C to class A. Of course all cannabis users will naturally believe in legalising cannabis and should be ignored for the reason that their ability to think logically has been seriously impaired. No one can ignore the fact that the increase in social breakdown runs parallel with the increase in the misuse of cannabis and it’s this reason more than any other that upgrading is overdue.
Well done Gordon, history will show that the upgrading of cannabis from class C to class B was the most important act your government has performed, now raise the tax allowance threshold to 12k per person and increase the basic rate pension for OAPs to £100 min per week and Labour will win the next election. Oh and, I forgot to mention, please force the banks to pass on the interest rate reductions by withdrawing all financial aid to them if they refuse to comply.
Posted by: Sid on 3:12pm Thu 8 May 08
When a top cop says that upgrading cannabis to class A is a waste of time, its time for one of two things to happen, first the top cop is sacked or the police face charges for NOT upholding the law, perhaps both things should happen.
When a top cop says that upgrading cannabis to class A is a waste of time, its time for one of two things to happen, first the top cop is sacked or the police face charges for NOT upholding the law, perhaps both things should happen.
Posted by: jerry kanns, Deepest Darkest UK on 3:57pm Thu 8 May 08
Self abuse of any kind, be it done with a particular drug or through other means, such as over working one's self into an early grave, or repeatedly smashing up one's body in a game of sport (Barry Sheen for those who remember), is a product of emotional problems deep down in a person. Plenty of people use work, sport, drink/cannabis in harmless ways as a release, and others do not. The entrenched social problems facing our society today will never be solved by laws aimed at restricting a particular choice of weapon used by a person for self harm. People who wish to self abuse will find another way of achieving destruction in their lives. Further understanding of our selves as being capable of self harm would surely be a better use of community resources.
Self abuse of any kind, be it done with a particular drug or through other means, such as over working one's self into an early grave, or repeatedly smashing up one's body in a game of sport (Barry Sheen for those who remember), is a product of emotional problems deep down in a person. Plenty of people use work, sport, drink/cannabis in harmless ways as a release, and others do not. The entrenched social problems facing our society today will never be solved by laws aimed at restricting a particular choice of weapon used by a person for self harm. People who wish to self abuse will find another way of achieving destruction in their lives. Further understanding of our selves as being capable of self harm would surely be a better use of community resources.
Posted by: Jake, . on 5:17pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote]The proof that cannabis is a very harmful drug is here on this [bold]BBC thread[/bold], the arguments the pro-cannabis brigade are posting clearly show that they are all suffering from delusion and psychosis.[/quote]
T.Ruth
BBC? Proof, I'm sure, that "T.Ruth" read every single deluded post before pasting her considered response.
Get a life, then perhaps you will be less concerned with the life of everyone else.
The proof that cannabis is a very harmful drug is here on this BBC thread, the arguments the pro-cannabis brigade are posting clearly show that they are all suffering from delusion and psychosis.
T.Ruth
BBC? Proof, I'm sure, that "T.Ruth" read every single deluded post before pasting her considered response.
Get a life, then perhaps you will be less concerned with the life of everyone else.
Posted by: alan blythe, runcorn, cheshire on 5:55pm Thu 8 May 08
remember solvent abuse, better than cannabis, you could see sores and knew whats the kids were doing. its good to see we have top policemen who are sensible, its sad about our present government. if all drugs were legal, drug crimes would disappear. i wonder whatever happened to the saying."an englishmans home is his castle". we have a leader who was never elected, are we heading towards dictatership..alanb
remember solvent abuse, better than cannabis, you could see sores and knew whats the kids were doing. its good to see we have top policemen who are sensible, its sad about our present government. if all drugs were legal, drug crimes would disappear. i wonder whatever happened to the saying."an englishmans home is his castle". we have a leader who was never elected, are we heading towards dictatership..alanb
Posted by: T.Ruth on 7:07pm Thu 8 May 08
If murder, rape, paedophilia and robbery were legal we wouldn't need prisons or the police, but who would you turn to for protection when the criminals came for you, think before you speak next time.
If murder, rape, paedophilia and robbery were legal we wouldn't need prisons or the police, but who would you turn to for protection when the criminals came for you, think before you speak next time.
Posted by: theTruth, Brighton on 11:02am Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]T.Ruth[/bold] wrote:
If murder, rape, paedophilia and robbery were legal we wouldn't need prisons or the police, but who would you turn to for protection when the criminals came for you, think before you speak next time.[/quote] The crimes you list are all CRIMES AGAINST OTHER PEOPLE, and therefore cannot be compared to drug taking -some of which is LEGAL (e.g. alcohol, tobacco) and some of isn't (e.g. cannabis, heroin).
You think before you speak next time - you deluded muppet.
T.Ruth wrote:
If murder, rape, paedophilia and robbery were legal we wouldn't need prisons or the police, but who would you turn to for protection when the criminals came for you, think before you speak next time.
The crimes you list are all CRIMES AGAINST OTHER PEOPLE, and therefore cannot be compared to drug taking -some of which is LEGAL (e.g. alcohol, tobacco) and some of isn't (e.g. cannabis, heroin).
You think before you speak next time - you deluded muppet.
Posted by: whogivesa, Brighton on 11:14am Sun 11 May 08
[bold]Of course all cannabis users will naturally believe in legalising cannabis and should be ignored for the reason that their ability to think logically has been seriously impaired. No one can ignore the fact that the increase in social breakdown runs parallel with the increase in the misuse of cannabis and it’s this reason more than any other that upgrading is overdue.[/bold] [italic]Quote from T.Ruth.[/italic]
Firstly, I believe in legalising ALL drugs, but contrary to your stupid assumption, I am NOT a user. I think it is the only way forward.
How arrogant of you to think that cannabis users or indeed ANY drug user isn't allowed to have a point of view. You might be surprised to find that some drug users would actually disagree with my views re legalisation.
Social breakdown is all the fault of cannabis users? That's ridiculous. It's a whole other different topic. In fact if you want to blame any drug for the breakdown of society - try alcohol, not cannabis.
Of course all cannabis users will naturally believe in legalising cannabis and should be ignored for the reason that their ability to think logically has been seriously impaired. No one can ignore the fact that the increase in social breakdown runs parallel with the increase in the misuse of cannabis and it’s this reason more than any other that upgrading is overdue. Quote from T.Ruth.
Firstly, I believe in legalising ALL drugs, but contrary to your stupid assumption, I am NOT a user. I think it is the only way forward.
How arrogant of you to think that cannabis users or indeed ANY drug user isn't allowed to have a point of view. You might be surprised to find that some drug users would actually disagree with my views re legalisation.
Social breakdown is all the fault of cannabis users? That's ridiculous. It's a whole other different topic. In fact if you want to blame any drug for the breakdown of society - try alcohol, not cannabis.
Posted by: weed man, cat on 12:45am Wed 14 May 08
[quote][bold]T.Ruth[/bold] wrote:
The proof that cannabis is a very harmful drug is here on this BBC thread, the arguments the pro-cannabis brigade are posting clearly show that they are all suffering from delusion and psychosis. One can just imagine them tapping away on their key boards between puffs on their imaginary friend (Mr Spiff) trying to convince us and even more themselves that cannabis is OK man. While the truth is they are playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette with their GREY MATTER and one day it will matter.
I am sure I am not alone, but have you noticed that all the cannabis users come across as arrogant, cocky, got all the answers, its done me no harm guv, types. Which must contribute to them being dependant on drugs of one sort or the other in the first place? Another aspect worries me just as much is the sheer number of people who are using cannabis, why is this happening, what’s behind it, I believe this is the real issue here and it needs addressing right now.
Any substance powerful enough to reignite various genetic mental illnesses in some users, must be upgraded from class C to class A. Of course all cannabis users will naturally believe in legalising cannabis and should be ignored for the reason that their ability to think logically has been seriously impaired. No one can ignore the fact that the increase in social breakdown runs parallel with the increase in the misuse of cannabis and it’s this reason more than any other that upgrading is overdue.
Well done Gordon, history will show that the upgrading of cannabis from class C to class B was the most important act your government has performed, now raise the tax allowance threshold to 12k per person and increase the basic rate pension for OAPs to £100 min per week and Labour will win the next election. Oh and, I forgot to mention, please force the banks to pass on the interest rate reductions by withdrawing all financial aid to them if they refuse to comply.
[/quote] You are the reason the country is in decline. you are a satanic beast and i hope one day you ignight an underlying mental illness with cannabis use but i think its a bit unlikely.
T.Ruth wrote:
The proof that cannabis is a very harmful drug is here on this BBC thread, the arguments the pro-cannabis brigade are posting clearly show that they are all suffering from delusion and psychosis. One can just imagine them tapping away on their key boards between puffs on their imaginary friend (Mr Spiff) trying to convince us and even more themselves that cannabis is OK man. While the truth is they are playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette with their GREY MATTER and one day it will matter.
I am sure I am not alone, but have you noticed that all the cannabis users come across as arrogant, cocky, got all the answers, its done me no harm guv, types. Which must contribute to them being dependant on drugs of one sort or the other in the first place? Another aspect worries me just as much is the sheer number of people who are using cannabis, why is this happening, what’s behind it, I believe this is the real issue here and it needs addressing right now.
Any substance powerful enough to reignite various genetic mental illnesses in some users, must be upgraded from class C to class A. Of course all cannabis users will naturally believe in legalising cannabis and should be ignored for the reason that their ability to think logically has been seriously impaired. No one can ignore the fact that the increase in social breakdown runs parallel with the increase in the misuse of cannabis and it’s this reason more than any other that upgrading is overdue.
Well done Gordon, history will show that the upgrading of cannabis from class C to class B was the most important act your government has performed, now raise the tax allowance threshold to 12k per person and increase the basic rate pension for OAPs to £100 min per week and Labour will win the next election. Oh and, I forgot to mention, please force the banks to pass on the interest rate reductions by withdrawing all financial aid to them if they refuse to comply.
You are the reason the country is in decline. you are a satanic beast and i hope one day you ignight an underlying mental illness with cannabis use but i think its a bit unlikely.
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