Cannabis law change 'illogical'

The reclassification of cannabis as a Class B drug has come into
effect in England amid complaints by magistrates the new laws are
"illogical".
The government said it went against its advisors to upgrade the drug
because of worries of its affect on mental health.
Magistrates welcomed the reclassification but said planned fines for
possessing small amounts undermined the more serious classification.
They said it sent the signal cannabis is not as bad as other Class B
drugs.

FLASHBACK - July 2007

Top ministers admit cannabis use

A string of Cabinet ministers have owned up to smoking cannabis after
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she had used the drug at Oxford in
the 1980s.
Chancellor Alistair Darling and Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly are
among those to admit using the drug when they were younger.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown was among those to say they had never
used it.
The Home Office is to review the decision to downgrade cannabis to a
class C substance.