‘Skunk’ form of Cannabis returns the drug to Class B status

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith confirmed the reversal of the downgrading of cannabis to Class C, which took place under Tony Blair in January 2004. The announcement came in the wake of concerns that the more potent skunk form of the drug is contributing to mental illness.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has made a personal promise to tighten the law on cannabis. However, it has emerged that those who are caught with the drug will first be let off with warning then pay an on-the-spot fine.

Only on the third offence will they be prosecuted and face a possible jail term. The so-called cannabis “escalator” has angered campaigners hoping for tougher punishments, but the Government is expected to say that the approach is stronger because it removes the string of warnings that cannabis users can be given at present.

Dr Zerrin Atakan, a consultant at Cygnet, Health Care, Britain’s leading provider of psychiatric care for patients with psychological, emotional and addiction problems, is nationally known for her clinical and research interests in cannabis-induced mental health problems and provides psychiatric treatment to those who are affected by its use.

She says: “What we know from epidemiological studies is that if you smoke long enough and strong enough, there is an increased risk of psychotic outcomes. We also now know that if you happen to have psychosis and carry on smoking, your progress outcomes are worsened.”

Two in every 100 frequent cannabis users will suffer schizophrenia.

“Cannabis doesn’t cause psychosis in everyone,” says Atakan. “There are young people who smoke every day but just get milld paranaoia, and when they stop smoking, that goes away too.”

So why are some people affected mentally by cannabis and not others.

Atakan comments: “We are at a premature stage in our knowledge. Especially in genetic terms. Some people think there may be a gene or combination of genes that makes you vulnerable. I think there may be protective genes that stop certain people becoming too psychotic.”

The government's decision to upgrade the legal status of cannabis to a Class B drug has been 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.