drugs smoking and alcohol

CANNABIS RECLASSIFICATION

On 26 January 2009 cannabis was reclassified from Class C to a Class B drug.

Reclassification

Classification of controlled drugs reflects the risks and harms caused by their use. In 2004 Cannabis was classified as a Class C drug but has now been reclassified to Class B because skunk, a much stronger type of the drug, now dominates the cannabis market.

What the reclassification means

If you are caught carrying some cannabis, the police will confiscate it and you may be arrested, even if it’s your first time. What the police will do depends on the circumstances and how old you are.

If you're aged 10 - 17
If you're between 10 and 17 and caught in possession of cannabis, the police will confiscate the drug and may arrest you. They may also refer you to a Youth Offending Team (YOT) and are likely to:

-  give you a reprimand and tell your parents what has happened if it is the first time you’ve been caught 
-  give you a final warning and refer you to a YOT if it's your second offence 
-  arrest you if it is the third time you have been caught with cannabis, which could lead to a conviction and a criminal record.

People aged over 18
If you are over 18 and caught in possession of cannabis, the police are likely to:

-  give you a cannabis warning for a first offence of possession 
-  give you a Penalty Notice for Disorder (an on-the-spot fine of £80) for a second offence 
-  arrest you if it is the third time you have been caught with cannabis; this could lead to a conviction and a criminal record

Health Info

Don't forget! Using cannabis harms your health.

• Even hardcore smokers can become anxious, panicky and suspicious.
  
• It affects your coordination, which is one of the reasons why drug driving is just as illegal as drink driving.
  
• Some people think cannabis is harmless because it’s a plant – but it isn’t harmless. Cannabis, like tobacco, has lots of chemical 'nasties', which can cause lung disease and cancer with long-term or heavy use, especially as it is often mixed with tobacco. Cannabis can also make asthma worse.
  
• Cannabis is risky for anyone with a heart problem as it increases the heart rate and can affect blood pressure.
  
• There’s also increasing evidence of a link between cannabis and mental health problems such as schizophrenia. If you have a history of mental health problems, depression or you suffer from paranoia, then taking this drug is not a good idea.
  
• Frequent use of cannabis can cut a man's sperm count and suppress ovulation in women. If you’re pregnant, smoking cannabis may harm the baby.
  
• Regular, heavy use makes it difficult to learn and concentrate. Some people feel tired all the time and can't get motivated.
  
• Some users may want to buy stronger herbal cannabis to get a bigger 'high’, but unpleasant reactions can be more powerful when you use stronger strains. Stronger varieties may lead to more severe dependence or more severe mental health effects.

more info?

If you would like to talk to someone about drugs, alcohol, smoking or mental health you can contact the following:

FRANK - free confidential advice on drugs 24 hours a day, telephone: 0800 77 66 00 www.talktofrank.com

Drinkline - a national alcohol helpline offering information and advice to those with alcohol related problems, open Tuesday to Thursday 9am to 11pm and 9am Friday to 11pm Monday, telephone: 0800 917 8282

NHS Smoking Helpline - source of help and advice on smoking and giving up lines, open daily 7am to 11pm, telephone: 0800 169 0 169

QUIT - charity offering advice to help smokers to stop, open 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week, telephone: 0800 00 22 00 www.quit.org.uk

Rethink - for advice about mental health or mental illness, open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, telephone: 0845 456 0455 www.rethink.org/at-ease

Information provided by The National Youth Agency www.nya.org.uk and Mentor UK www.mentorfoundation.org.