Overview

This bill proposes to reclassify cannabis in the UK, moving it from a Class B drug to a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This change would mean less severe penalties for possession and supply of cannabis.

Description

The Drugs (Reclassification) Bill amends the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Specifically, it removes cannabis and its derivatives (cannabinol and cannabinol derivatives) from Schedule 2, Part 3 (Class C drugs), and inserts them into Schedule 2, Part 2 (Class B drugs). This effectively downgrades cannabis from a Class B to a Class C controlled substance.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not directly stated within the text. However, reclassifying cannabis could potentially lead to reduced costs associated with law enforcement and prosecution, while potentially increasing costs related to healthcare or treatment if cannabis use increases.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Individuals who use or possess cannabis: They would face potentially less severe penalties.
• Law enforcement agencies: Their workload and priorities related to cannabis enforcement may shift.
• Healthcare professionals: They might see changes in the demand for treatment related to cannabis use.
• The criminal justice system: Court workloads and sentencing practices concerning cannabis-related offenses could be altered.

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