Correspondence between the Committee and
the Home Office regarding the classification of Cannabis
Letter from the Chairman, Phil Willis
MP, to Jacqui Smith MP, Secretary of State, Home Office
CLASSIFICATION OF
CANNABIS
In 2006, the Science and Technology Committee,
of which I was Chair, conducted an inquiry into the Government's
handling of scientific advice, risk and evidence in policy making.
As part of the inquiry, the Committee examined the relationship
between scientific advice and the classification of illegal drugs.
We found that the Government had largely failed to meet its commitment
to evidence-based policy-making in this area. The Innovation,
Universities, Science and Skills Committee has taken up a watching
brief as to how the relationship between ACMD and the Home Office
develops.
The Government's policy that cannabis be reclassified
as Class B runs contrary to the expert scientific advice provided
by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. We would therefore
be grateful for a memorandum on why the Home Office rejected the
advice from ACMD, and how the decision on cannabis reflects the
Government's commitment to evidence-based policy-making. I would
appreciate it if you could provide this information by 13 June
2008.
June 2008
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