Cannabis Reclassified As A Class B Drug Welcomed By Unite/MHNA

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 12 May 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The government's decision to upgrade the legal status of cannabis to a Class B drug was welcomed as a victory for common sense by Unite/Mental Health Nurses Association.

Unite/MHNA Chair, Andy Lauder said: "It has been proved time and time again by well-respected medical studies that there are strong links between significant cannabis use and those suffering from mental health problems, or have a disposition to mental illness.

"We, therefore, welcome the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith's announcement that cannabis should be reclassified from Class C to Class B status."

Andy Lauder warned: "There are now much stronger strains of cannabis, such as skunk, entering the UK in response to so-called market forces."

Last month, Unite/MHNA strongly criticised reports that The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs was recommending that the drug should remain on the Class C list. Unite/MNHA said that such a decision would fly in the face of established medical facts and common sense.

Unite (Amicus section) is the third largest union in the NHS. It has seven professional sections: the Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association, the Mental Health Nurses Association, the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists, the Society of Sexual Health Advisers, the Medical Practitioners Union, College of Healthcare Chaplains, and the Hospital Physicists Association.

Unite was formed by an amalgamation of Amicus and the Transport and General Workers Union in May 2007.

Unite/Mental Health Nurses Association