As debate in the press rages over the potential reclassification of cannabis from class C to B, DrugScope thought it might be helpful to bring together some of the latest research and reports.

Educating Reefer: effective health education and warnings on cannabis
This report from Rethink argues the case for educating people about the mental health dangers of cannabis.

Cannabis and young people: “It’s a social thing” (PDF)
This report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) studies how young people obtain cannabis in the UK, both in large towns and rural villages.

The impact of heavy cannabis use on young people’s lives
This research from the JRF investigates the effects of heavy cannabis use on young people.

Young people, cannabis use and anti-social behaviour
This report from Kings College, London, studies the views of young people, professionals and local residents on the effects of cannabis use in the community.

Here is the last Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) investigation from 2005 into cannabis-related harm. This review was carried out when the ACMD were asked to determine whether or not cannabis should be re-reclassified to a Class B drug.
Further consideration of the classification of cannabis under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

DrugScope policy briefing paper on cannabis reclassification from 2005

The ACMD is currently holding a review meeting on the classification of cannabis in response to a request from the Home Office. Martin Barnes, chief executive of DrugScope, is a member of the Advisory Committee.

The drug strategy consultation included a question over the classification of cannabis. DrugScope’s response is here (see question 39a)

Here are some other organisations’ submissions to the ACMD for the current review of cannabis reclassification:

Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) 

Drug Education Forum

Magistrate’s Association 

Royal Society of Arts (RSA)

Transform 

UKDPC
 

Cannabis supply and young people
This report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation looks at how young people in a large city and a rural village obtain cannabis.

Deaths related to drug poisoning: England & Wales, 2002-2006 (PDF)
This report, published in Health Statistics Quarterly 36, Winter 2007, presents the latest figures on death from drug misuse.

Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2007
The latest statistical bulletin from the Information Services Directorate.

Drug Treatment Waiting times Information Framework Report July -September 2007 (Scotland) (PDF)
This publication presents data from the Drug Treatment Waiting Times Information Framework. It includes details on the number of clients waiting and the time waited for (1) clients to be offered an assessment date and (2) clients to be offered an appointment date for any intervention.

Impact of citrate introduction at UK syringe exchange programmes (PDF)
This report examines the impact of the introduction of citrate in Cheshire and Merseyside and concludes that the introduction of citrate did not negatively affect SEP attendance.

National Forum on Drug-Related deaths in Scotland Annual Report 2007 (PDF)
1st Annual Report.

Non-medical prescribing, patient group directions and minor ailment schemes in the treatment of drug misusers (PDF)
Detailed guidance on application and implementation of nurse and pharmacist prescribing, patient group directions and minor ailment schemes in the treatment of drug misusers. Includes explanation of the various terms and details the clinical governance aspects of using these mechanisms to improve access to treatment for drug users.

UK Focal Point’s Annual Report 2007
The UK Focal Point’s annual report provides information on the drug situation and trends in drug use in the UK. Submitted to the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), it provides a disussion of the main trends and a description of the responses to the situation. Each member state’s report follows a common structure, which covers national policies on drugs, prevalence, prevention, problem drug use, drug-related treatment, health correlates and consequences, social correlates and consequences and drug markets. In addition, a number of selected issues are chosen for in-depth consideration each year.

Young people, cannabis use and anti-social behaviour (PDF)
This report studies the views of young people, professional and local residents on the effect of cannabis use.