CANNABIS USERS RISK ARREST IN DRUG UPGRADE

Cannabis is being upgraded from today, meaning users caught with it
three times will be arrested.

The move from class C to class B will mean anyone caught with
cannabis for the first time will receive a warning.

A second offence should result in an #80 fine, while a third 'strike'
will lead to arrest.

'I am extremely concerned about the use of stronger cannabis - skunk
- - and the harm it can cause to mental health,' said Home Office
minister Alan Campbell.

'It poses a real risk to the health of those who do use it. We are
reclassifying cannabis to protect the public and future
generations.'

Cannabis was downgraded to a class C substance - on a par with some
tranquillisers and bodybuilding supplements - in 2004 by then home
secretary David Blunkett.

Since then, concerns have risen over links between its use and mental
health problems. Home secretary Jacqui Smith - who admitted smoking
cannabis at university - decided to reclassify it last May.

'Cannabis can damage your mental health,' said Louis Appleby,
national director for mental health. 'The evidence is pointing to
cannabis as the cause of psychosis in some people.'