This contains a reference to the report I was looking for, that only 3% of
people are deterred by prohibition, i.e. prohibition is 97% ineffective.


Rethink: Keep cannabis class C – classification makes no difference,
claims report Tuesday, 05 Feb 2008 08:34

Stop wasting time and money debating the classification of cannabis, and
focus instead on educating people about the mental health risks.

This is mental health charity Rethink’s clear message to the government
on the day that the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is due to
start reviewing the classification of cannabis.

New research from the charity shows that the classification of cannabis
makes no difference to how much it is used. Rethink’s report, Educating
Reefer, finds that:

    * Only 3% of people stop using cannabis because it is illegal *
    Cannabis should remain a class C drug * The government should deliver
    on its promise of a 2006 public health campaign * Products associated
    with cannabis use – such as king-size rolling papers – should
    carry warnings about the mental health effects of cannabis

Jane Harris, Rethink’s head of campaigns, said that the findings were
clear.

“Given that the classification of cannabis has little impact on how much
it is used, we would urge the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to
recommend that the government keeps cannabis at class C. Changing the
class would be pointless and expensive – Government should put their
money into a public health campaign to educate people about the mental
health dangers. King-size rolling papers should carry health warnings like
those on cigarette packets.”

Rethink will today give oral and written evidence to the Advisory Council
on the Misuse of Drugs.

For more information contact:

Katie Leason, Media Manager: tel: 020 7330 9129, Katie.Leason@rethink.org
Hilary Caprani, Senior Media Officer: tel: 020 7330 9112,
Hilary.Caprani@rethink.org Vicky Trimikliniotis, Media Officer: tel: 020
7330 9149, Vicky.Trimikliniotis@rethink.org

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. To view the report Educating Reefer go to
www.rethink.org/educatingreefer

2. Rethink carried out a survey. In response to the question: “In your
experience which, if any, of the following do people use king size rolling
papers for ?”, 50% said cannabis and 49% said tobacco.

In the 25-34 age range this rose to 65% saying cannabis and 46% saying
tobacco. To see the full findings go to www.rethink.org/educatingreefer

(These figures are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,994 adults.
Fieldwork was undertaken between 30th November - 3rd December 2007. The
survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are
representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).)

3. Rethink wrote to Imperial Tobacco Limited asking for health warnings to
be included on the packaging of Rizla king-size. In its response, Imperial
Tobacco Limited said:

“We are aware that rolling papers and loose tobacco may be utilised in
connection with cannabis use. We do not condone such activities, nor
endorse the use of any of our products for such purposes…..Imperial
Tobacco complies with all government regulations concerning the content,
size and format of health warnings that are required to be printed on
packs, advertisements or elsewhere.”

4. Case studies available

About Rethink

Rethink, the leading national mental health membership charity, works to
help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality
of life. We aim to provide hope and empowerment through effective services
and support to all those who need us and campaign for change through
greater awareness and understanding.

For further information on the charity and its work, visit:
www.rethink.org or call 0845 456 0455.

http://www.politics.co.uk/press-releases/rethink-keep-cannabis-class-c-%E2%80%93-classification-makes-no-difference-claims-report-$485295.htm

-- 
Dr John Watson
Baker Street