cannabis commission

British Government Orders Commission of Inquiry into Cannabis - by schmoo

The 'New Labour' Government is planning a 'Commission of Inquiry into Cannabis and no one seems to have noticed.

Their new 'Drugs Bill' (officially called the 'Drugs (Sentencing and Commission of Inquiry) Bill') had its second reading in Parliament on 25 Feb 2005. The Bill has received attention due to its provisions for outlawing the sale of 'magic mushrooms'.

However it also orders a 'Commission of Inquiry' into cannabis. The Commission will look at the "health effects of the use of cannabis and cannabis resin on users" and "other effects of the use of cannabis and cannabis resin on users" as well as "the effects of the use of cannabis and cannabis resin other than on users."

The government's 'Cannabis Commission' will also consider the classification of cannabis and cannabis resin under Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (c. 38) and "make recommendations to the Secretary of State and others about the things referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) and related matters".

According to the new Drug Bill, the 'Cannabis Commission' may receive written evidence, take oral evidence, undertake visits within the United Kingdom and elsewhere, appoint staff, and undertake, or arrange for or support (whether financially or otherwise), the carrying out of research or the provision of advice or information relating to matters within the Commission’s terms of reference.

It all sounds like it should be fun for those involved (trips to Jamaica, Amsterdam and Morocco may be required), but more seriously it is a great opportunity to clear the slate on all the 'baloney' on cannabis and get down to the facts. Hopefully cannabis campaigners will be queuing up to give evidence.