Smith changes her mind on cannabis

Published on 20/11/2012 02:41

FORMER home secretary Jacqui Smith has admitted the change in the legal status of cannabis she introduced caused “confusion and dissent”.

Ms Smith – who lost her seat in the 2010 election – was criticised by her own scientific advisers when she upgraded the drug from class C to class B, bringing in a tougher line against users and dealers.

In an interview ahead of a BBC Radio 5 Live documentary she is presenting on the issue next week, she said: “I’m 
more sympathetic now to 
the argument that there are people who use cannabis without harm. I don’t want tough messages being sent out by the law always translated into tough action against individuals.”