Should or shouldn't cannabis be legalised in the U.K?
Cannabis is currently classed as a Class B drug. It was graded as a Class B drug by the Misuse of Drugs Act in 1971. Since 1971 cannabis use has increased, with few effects. However users and campaigners claim that cannabis should be downgraded in classification due to it not having worse effects compared to other drugs like alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco seem to have much worse effects on a user's health and on society as a whole, despite the fact that they can be used legally. Furthermore, there is evidence about whether or not cannabis is addictive or harmful to health.
In response to this argument and some points against cannabis are: nearly 1000 people a year now develop a long-term psychotic illness due to cannabis use, in Britain 500 people a week need medical treatment after using cannabis, finally, mental health hospital admissions due to the effects of cannabis rose by 63% between 2002 and 2007.
Misuse of Drugs Act (Singapore)
Cannabinol
TetrahydrocannabivarinIn addition, it was also pointed out that the average age of a first-time user of skunk (a stronger form of cannabis) is 13, which raises fear and question about users' future mental health. Cannabis can also be regarded as a 'gateway' drug, meaning users being introduced to dealers as future customers might raise the possibility of starting a habit that could develop into a life of addiction to class A drugs.