Home Secretary drugs call – reckless and irresponsible

The Christian Institute has condemned today’s proposal by the Home Secretary to re-classify cannabis from a class ‘B’ to a class ‘C’ drug. This will effectively decriminalise the possession of cannabis since removing the power of arrest from the police (as seems to be proposed) will put them in an operational straightjacket.

Colin Hart, Director of The Christian Institute, said:

“It is reckless and irresponsible to decriminalise cannabis which is what re-categorisation amounts to. I am genuinely surprised that the Home Secretary has caved in to pressure so easily on this issue.

The message sent out to young people will be that it is OK to take cannabis. Hard working parents seeking to protect children from drugs will be undermined by this move.

Sweden used to have liberal policies on drugs. The problems of drug abuse escalated to such a degree that the Swedish Government decided to get tough on drugs, particularly on cannabis since it is a gateway drug – it leads to the use of other, harder drugs.

It is a very sad day for our country when the Home Secretary decides to throw in the towel on cannabis. I hope and pray that he will reconsider this move.”