Cannabis Cameron

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by Dante Hicks

I agree with your point but speeding isn't subject to the same maximum penalties as possesion is it? I mean, in theory possession of cannabis can get you two years in prison. What's the maximum for speeding (which doesn't cause an accident) - 6 points on the licence and a fine?

If you drive stupidly fast you could be charged with dangerous driving, which also carries a maximum 2 year prison sentence. Obviously minor speeding offences won't get custody, but then neither will possession of small amounts of cannabis. (In fact, I've seen people get fined £50 in court for possession of cannabis, which is less then the automatic £60 you'd be fined for going past a speed camera too fast, not to mention the fact that speeding also gets you points.)

Originally Posted by Dante Hicks

I agree this is obviously a non-story and since Cameron has not been as vocal against drugs than some in the past I don't even view this as particularly hypocritical. Although I do note that the Tories want to reverse the reclassification of cannabis, which would mean a theoretical maximum of five years in a Crown Court.

Quite a lot of people support reclassification of cannabis as a Class B drug because the downgrading to Class C confused a lot of people into thinking it's now legal, and they feel a strong message should be sent out that it's not. I don't know whether this is what the Tories think, but I suspect a lot of the pressure for such a move is due to the messages being sent out rather than a desire for tougher sentencing (which probably wouldn't change very much in any event). The maximum sentences for possession are largely a farce anyway - you'd be facing an intent to supply charge long before you possessed anywhere near enough cannabis to get you 2 years in prison.

Originally Posted by Dante Hicks

Either way I hope the journalists who peddle this drivel feel suitably ashamed. I doubt they will though.

Something we can agree on at last.