Government must listen to expert advice on cannabis

12.00.00am GMT Wed 9th Jan 2008

A report today says that ministers will overrule the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs if it does not recommend the reclassification of cannabis. The Times reports that "While its recommendations are not yet known, ministers are already making plain that the Home Secretary is prepared to overrule the expert body if necessary."

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"There is no point in wasting taxpayers' money on an advisory body of experts if ministers ignore its evidence.

"If confirmed, this is an astonishing admission that the Government intends to steer policy by prejudice not proof.

"The advisory council must take on board the increasing reports of the mental health effects of high strength cannabis, but ministers must be guided by the science and the evidence as assessed by the council."