Tougher Cannabis Laws in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom Government is considering tougher laws against cannabis.

Cannabis was downgraded to a class C drug in 2004 which allowed organized crime gangs to dominate cannabis distribution.

One United Kingdom police officer claimed that cannabis was a cash machine for organized crime.

Record levels of cannabis production have led to children being forced to work in cannabis factories that can yield up to $700,000 a year.

(Source: www.news.com.au story- Child trafficking gangs force kids to work in cannabis factories, 24 September 2007.)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-

Some Australian states have liberalized cannabis possession laws which have expanded cannabis use.

If the United Kingdom government has realized its mistake in liberalizing its cannabis laws, Australian state and territory governments should likewise review their laws.

Cannabis is the most used illicit drug in Australia so we need to reduce the demand for illicit drugs to world’s best practice.

World’s best practice for illicit drug use is four times lower that current Australian drug use rates.

By tightening cannabis laws and diverting cannabis users into detoxification and rehabilitation Australia will cut off funds to organized crime highlighted by the Australian Crime Commission in its latest report.

Lets ditch harm minimization for world’s best practice.