Drugs classification should not be a political football

12.00.00am GMT Thu 3rd Apr 2008

Commenting on reports that the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs will not be seeking to reclassify cannabis again as a class B drug, contrary to ministerial pressure, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"Ministers should stop playing politics with drugs judgements and listen to the advice of the medical experts.

"At first sight, this is a surprising decision given the increased evidence of strong skunk and its psychotic effects. But the Advisory Council is the most authoritative and independent body capable of making a judgement, and we should not turn drugs classification into a political football or the plaything of tabloid newspaper editors."