Reformers claim UK cannabis laws, 80 years old this year, are among the toughest in Europe. Government critics say we’ve gone soft on dope. But, as Steve Abrams explains, the legal response to cannabis use in the UK has always…
Tag Archive for laws
Druglink news item 2008 – Cannabis casualty by Harry Shapiro
The driving force behind the government’s decision to ignore the recommendation of the ACMD on cannabis was to send a message to young people about its dangers. But there is another message coming across, argues Harry Shapiro Cannabis casualty (PDF)
Druglink news item 2008 – More cash than Class by Max Daly
For the second time in just over two years, the home secretary asked drug experts to review the dangers of cannabis. The most high profile voice in the debate so far has been that of Britain’s police chiefs. But, says…
Druglink article 2008 – Atlantic drift by Anna Ling
American drugs laws are perceived to be draconian and ineffective. But are we any better off in the UK? Anna Ling examines the varying impact the law on both sides of the Atlantic has on the punishment and civil rights…
Druglink article 2008 – Cleaning the fug on cannabis crime by Tiggey May
As Prime Minister Gordon Brown considers returning cannabis back to Class B, claims about its links to criminal behaviour in young people have come thick and fast. But, as Tiggey May reports, new research reveals a different story. Clearing the…
Druglink article 2007 – Dealing the lethal dose by Sam Hart
What should happen to the person who deals the lethal ecstasy pill or injects the fatal dose of heroin? Sam Hart reports on a grey area in criminal law which treads the fine line between pushers and punters. Dealing the…
Druglink article 2007 – The ultimate price by Rick Lines
Despite a global trend away from capital punishment, more and more countries are expanding the death penalty to include drug offences such as dealing. Rick Lines on the state sponsored drug executions which stretch the boundaries of international law. The…
Druglink factsheet 2007 – The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 – updated
This factsheet contains a number of significant changes to the Act Factsheet – The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 – updated (PDF)
Druglink article 2007 – Culture clash by Allen Morgan
As more prolific offenders are diverted away from cells and into treatment, police forces have had to modify their attitudes to drug users. But, says Allen Morgan, the traditional ‘cops and robbers’ relationship is proving hard to shake off. Culture…
Druglink article 2007 – People power by Harry Shapiro
The government and the media seem convinced that the average Brit has a knee-jerk, conservative attitude to tackling problem drug use. But, says Harry Shapiro, whenever the public is asked, a different picture emerges. People power (PDF)