Cannabis confusion still reigns

11.24.00am GMT Wed 28th Jan 2004

Tomorrow, on the day the cannabis law is changed, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner will be asked for a guarantee of no 'postcode policing' of cannabis and that officers will apply the new law fairly and consistently across London.

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, will voice her concerns that the 'massive amount of muddle' he recently said surrounded the changes to the law could result in arrest for one person yet not for another.

Speaking before tomorrow's MPA meeting, Ms Featherstone said:

"It is not just the public who are confused about the reclassification of cannabis from a class B to a class C drug. Police forces are also giving out muddled messages about the approach they will take to possession of the drug.

"The Metropolitan Police Service advises officers against arresting people possessing a small amount of cannabis, unless there are 'aggravating circumstances'.

"These powers of discretion could result in a different approach depending on where you are or which police officer you happen to bump into. Such inconsistency will make things even more confusing when the intention was to make the legal position on cannabis possession more straightforward!

"I will be seeking the Commissioner's assurance that all his officers have been fully informed of the change in the law and that it will be fairly and consistently applied throughout London."