Police commissioners call for cannabis to be made Class A drug

Cannabis is as dangerous as heroin and cocaine, a group of police commissioners have warned.

David Sidwick, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, told a fringe meeting of the Conservative Party conference that it was time for cannabis to be upgraded to a Class A drug.

Sidwick’s proposal was backed by fellow commissioners for Devon and Cornwall, and Avon and Somerset.

Harmful

“We need tough sanctions for possession and to halt the drive towards decriminalisation” said the Dorset Commissioner, adding: “this does the same harm as crack and heroin.

People who call this drug recreational haven’t seen the harm that psychosis and other cannabis-related conditions can do

“That’s why we need the penalties for this illegal gateway drug to match those of Class A substances.”

Speaking to The Telegraph ahead of the event, Sidwick explained: “People who call this drug recreational haven’t seen the harm that psychosis and other cannabis-related conditions can do”.

Penalty

Cannabis is currently a Class B drug. Possessing it can carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and an unlimited fine.

The penalty for possession of a Class A drug is up to seven years in prison, while a conviction for supply may result in a life sentence, an unlimited fine, or both.

In response, the Home Office said that it has no plans to change the classification of cannabis.