News

This page is regularly updated to provide information about topical issues involving drugs, the law and human rights.

• Expect the Unexpected June 25, 2008
  Quality unbiased information on cannabis
  
  To coincide with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the EU drugs agency EMCDDA has released its latest scientific study. A Cannabis Reader: Global Issues and Local Experiences, is an extensive report that covers a wide range of issues relating to cannabis. Leading european experts discuss the legal, political, social and economic aspects of cannabis use, while information on prevention, treatment and healthcare is provided for drug professionals.
  
  Here in the UK and across many parts of Europe, those involved in the drugs community either socially or professionally are all too aware of the proliferation of publications in this area and the often biased nature of the internet articles and newspaper headlines they generate. Sifting the truth from the hysteria seems to be getting harder and harder.
  
  This new report covers many interesting topics, but perhaps of note are the chapters on cannabis use in the new EU member states, lessons from alcohol and tobacco policy, harm reduction, potency, as well as a personal account of the last major reform of cannabis policy in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s.
  
  Sociology Professor Robin Room looks at what can be learned from alcohol and tobacco, finding that on every comparison of dangerousness, harm, toxicity and dependence, cannabis featured lower (if not the lowest) than alcohol and tobacco and other substances. Crucially, most users cease smoking cannabis by their late 20s or early 30s with the vast majority not experiencing any negative effects. As a result, Professor Room concludes that the international restrictions on cannabis are disproportionately harsh, compared with minimal ones on alcohol and tobacco.
  
  Room's chapter, like many others, deserves close attention from policy makers across Europe. While you are unlikely to manage to read all 700 pages of the report (do get in touch with us if you do!), dipping into the chapters of particular interest to you is well worthwhile. In the context of current UK drugs policy, which is increasingly developed with little regard to evidence or fact, this type of large scale research is a most welcome addition to the on-going cannabis debate.
  
  To read the report visit the EMCDDA website.
  
  
  
• Scotland Think Tank publishes 'radical' new Report June 09, 2008
  A report published by Scottish Parliament-backed think tank Futures Forum has outlined the findings at the end of its one-year study into how to reduce by half the damage done by drugs and alcohol in Scotland by 2025. Although billeted by BBC News and others as a 'radical' new approach, this report confirms what Release has known and campaigned for, for a long time.
  
  Approaches to Alcohol and Drugs in Scotland: a Question of Architecture calls for transparent evidence to 'underpin all policy and practice' for drug use and misuse. Emphasising the need for continual assessment of the facts, the report recommends that government policy be more flexible and adaptive to changing evidence.
  
  Release was delighted to note that the report acknowledged that for a large majority, drug and alcohol use may result in no significant harm. While for the minority whose use is problematic, up to 30% can be helped with guidance, information and support, as opposed to the traditional (and often counter-productive) method of relying on the criminal justice system. Specific polices recommended by the report include scaling up and implementing a comprehensive range of treatment interventions, including harm reduction methods such as drug consumption rooms and heroin assisted treatment.
  
  The Public Health approach recommended by the report is a welcome and vital move. It notes that we have historically seen drug use mainly as a justice issue but that this is mistaken and 'alcohol and drugs should be seen predominantly as a health, lifestyle and social issue to be considered along with smoking, obesity and other lifestyle challenges.' The use of enforcement activity in response to low-level use of illegal drugs is counter-productive and unlikely to help achieve the goal of halving drug related harm by 2025, it states. Community based approaches and use of prevention, voluntary treatment and harm reduction strategies is preferable. The criminal justice system's limited resources can then be better directed, with the cooperation of community groups, towards career criminals.
  
  Release welcomes this policy statement from Scotland's Futures Forum, and notes that it falls very much in line with a growing global trend of moving towards a public health approach to drug-related harm.
  
  
  
  
• Some Good News Insite May 29, 2008
  Canadian Consumption Room Wins Major Reprieve
  
  A huge victory for supporters of safe injection sites or "consumption rooms", took place in Canada this week. Insite is North America's first legal supervised injection site and is part of a scientific research pilot project launched in Canada in September 2003. Insite is a safe, health-focused place where people can go to inject drugs and connect with health care professionals and addiction services. It is an integral part of a programme of care for people with addiction, mental illness and HIV/AIDS in the Vancouver community.
  
  Supporters of Insite had feared for the future of the injection facility after the Conservative Health Minister Tony Clement had indicated his intention to withdraw its legal status at the end of June this year.
  
  But this week, Mr. Justice Ian Pitfield of the British Columbia Supreme Court granted users and staff at the popular but controversial facility a permanent constitutional exemption from prosecution under federal drug laws. Allowing addicts to inject their illegal drugs in a safe, medically supervised environment is a matter of sensible health care and they should not be under threat of being arrested by police, the judge ruled. This ruling effectively removes any chance of the federal Conservative government closing Insite down.
  
  Comparing drug addiction to alcohol and tobacco dependence, Judge Pitfield said, "Society neither condemns the individual who chooses to drink or smoke to excess, nor deprives that individual of a range of health care services. I cannot see any rational or logical reason why the approach should be different when dealing with the addiction to narcotics."
  
  Judge Pitfield also declared that sections of Canada's drug laws against possession and trafficking in illegal narcotics were unconstitutional. But he gave the government a year to re-draft the legislation to bring it in line with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Whilst this is unlikely to signal any radical change in Canada's drugs laws, it is clearly of huge significance to the hundreds of injecting drug users who use the facility every week and rely on it as a safe environment to manage their addiction. It should also be of importance to the many communities across the world, like those in the UK, who are yet to convince the authorities of the public health benefit of these facilities.
  
  
  
• Join the campaign to prevent reclassification May 27, 2008
  After endless debate and several independent studies, the government looks set to go ahead with the reclassification of cannabis, returning it from Class C to Class B once again. This is despite the fact that most commentators agree that classification has little effect on use. The new Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs(ACMD), Professor David Nutt, once stated in reference to the classification of ecstacy that "the evidence base for classification producing deterrence is not strong and we see that with a number of drugs".
  
  If you would like to write to your MP asking that they do not support the government's proposal to reclassify cannabis, which goes against the latest ACMD advice, there is a very easy method with a campaign set up by Release at www.voiceyourviews.net
  
  
• National Tackling Drugs Week May 20, 2008
  This week (19-23 May) has been named National Tackling Drugs Week, by the government Tackling Drugs, Saving Lives team. The purpose of the week is to raise awareness of work currently undertaken by agencies, tackle drugs and reduce drug-related crime in communities across the country, and to highlight some of the wide ranging activities and services available. It comes during a busy period for the Home Office Drugs Strategy unit following the recent announcements on reclassifying cannabis and a new crackdown on cocaine.
  
  As expected, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced that the government intends to reclassify cannabis from a class C drug to class B. Having been downgraded to class C by the previous Labour administration in January 2004, cannabis will now return to Class B, provided the government wins enough support for this move from Members of Parliament. Whilst this would normally be a matter of routine for a government with a large majority, the fact that the government has chosen to ignore the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) advice on this matter, may make the legislation harder to pass.
  
  Meanwhile Drugs Minister Vernon Coaker has today announced a new crackdown on cocaine with the launch of a 1 million pound FRANK campaign aimed at 15-18 year-olds. Its purpose is to make young people aware of the health and social consequences of cocaine use and attempt to deglamourise the drug's celebrity image.
  
  
  
• New Hope for Sentencing Reform? April 29, 2008
  The Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) which consists of eminent judges, barristers and members of the police force, has signalled a change in policy. The SGC proposed in its Theft and Burglary (non-dwelling) Consultation Guideline that an offender's dependency on drugs, alcohol or gambling be a factor of personal mitigation that might apply at sentencing. The SGC noted that many offenders convicted of acquisitive crimes are motivated by an addiction, and such dependency may properly influence the type of sentence imposed. Therefore a rehabilitation requirement as part of a community order or suspended sentence order may be imposed in lieu of an immediate custodial sentence that would otherwise be warranted. This is a progressive approach aimed at addressing the underlying nature of crime and drug addiction. Responses to the consultation are due 23 May 2008. Further, the Sentencing Advisory Panel is at an early stage of drafting a consultation paper on the sentencing of drug offences. This is a welcome opportunity for the submission of information during the inception of sentencing guidance development. Those interested in submitting relevant information to the Panel should do so. The consultation paper is expected to be published in late summer. After consultation the Panel will submit its advice to the Sentencing Guidelines Council. The Council will then form a preliminary view and issue a consultation guideline. A final guideline will be issued after this consultation.
  
  
• Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill 2007 April 29, 2008
  The Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill currently going through Parliament has seen a number of its proposals dropped. The Bill originally intended to introduce a number of new powers including youth rehabilitation orders (including a drug treatment and testing element); closure orders extended to apply to all nuisance neighbours (not only drug users); and the welcomed proposal to make cautions subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 - thus ensuring there are clear guidelines about when they can be disclosed. All of these proposals are still contained within the Bill. The proposals which have been dropped included the amendment to the current Sexual Offences Act 1959, which stated where a person has been found, by the police, to have loitered or solicited with intent on two or more occasions within three months they should be charged. They would then be required to attend meetings with a qualified person to assess what motivated their behaviour, failure to attend could have resulted in detention of up to 72 hours before attending Court - arguably a backdoor to criminalising prostitution. The justice secretary, Jack Straw, also sacrificed a proposal which would have prevented the Criminal appeal court quashing convictions on a technicality in cases where there was "no reasonable doubt" about the defendant's guilt. The reason for dropping these proposals is that the Government wants to get this Bill passed by 08 May 2008. The Bill will introduce a statutory ban on prison officers striking - there is currently a voluntary agreement in place but this is due to come to an end shortly.
  
  
• Is Brown potty on cannabis? April 25, 2008
  Release has written to the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith (click on link above to see letter) to urge her to take the widely expected advice of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). The letter sent was signed and supported by many organisations and individuals including the Institute for Criminal Policy Research, Sting and Sir Geoffrey Bindman. Repeating the exercise of March 2005 the Home Secretary has again referred the January 2004 decision to downgrade the classification of cannabis from Class B to Class C to the ACMD. The ACMD is expected to confirm, yet again, that it continues to hold the view that cannabis is significantly less harmful than the substances listed in Class B, and should therefore remain in Class C.
  
  
• Cannabis: Brown Intends to Ignore his Own Drugs Experts April 03, 2008
  It has been reported that The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs ñ an independent body of medical and drugs experts which advises the government on drugs policy ñ has decided to recommend that cannabis remain in Class C. The ACMD is expected to formally announce its recommendation later this month. The ACMD, upon the governmentís request, conducted an extensive review of the impact of cannabis on health, including presentations from renowned experts in the field and consideration of science-based data and studies. Part of the review debunked the theory that increased cannabis use will lead to an increase in schizophrenia. In fact, research from Keele University revealed that between 1996 and 2005, there were reductions in the prevalence of schizophrenia and from 2000 onwards reductions in the prevalence of psychosis, even with cannabisí increased potency and increased use. However the Government, despite the ACMDís recommendation, have made clear their intent to disregard the ACMD and substitute their own judgment. This is a clear abuse of political power with Government officials ignoring the truth and science about cannabis and imposing their own views for personal political gain. Release calls for the Government to leave cannabis classified as a Class C drug, which is still an illegal substance punishable by prison for possession and supply.
  
  
• The New Drugs Strategy - same but different February 28, 2008
  The Drug Strategy for the next ten years looks like much of the same, but there are some aspects of it which appear slightly sinister. The withdrawing of benefits for those failing to engage in treatment; the freezing of assets of those not yet even charged with an offence; the idea that enforcement tactics leading to an increase in drug prices acts as a form of harm reduction; a requirement that an additional 2000 conditional cautions and 1000 DRRs should be issued by 2009 are all worrying developments. Please clink on the above link for Release's full response.
  
  
• Teenage British Drug Mules Sentenced in Ghana January 23, 2008
  Two British girls were jailed for a year in Ghana on 23.01.2008 for attempting to smuggle cocaine to the UK, but their legal representatives said the teenagers would likely be freed in April this year. The girls, both 16, from North London were arrested last July at Kotoka airport in Ghana, carrying 6kg of cocaine in two laptop bags.
  They claimed they had been given the luggage by two men and had no idea it contained about £300,000-worth of the drug.
  Their lawyers said they would be released on April 18 because under Ghanaian law, individuals sentenced to a year in prison can be freed after nine months and they have already been in custody for six months. In contrast, if the two girls had been convicted in the UK, the sentence would not have been as lenient as the Ghanaian court. Importation of a Class A drug, like cocaine, is subject to life imprisonment and often sentences of several years are imposed. These punitive sentences in the UK are disproportionate when considering drug mules are often poor and vulnerable young women who have been induced into the conduct or taken advantage of. By targeting and imprisoning those involved at the lower end of the trafficking enterprise, who have no knowledge of the greater drug ring structure, is yet another example of the failure of the war on drugs.
  
  
  
• How popular is crack? January 23, 2008
  Gary Sutton and Colin Stewart contributed to a Guardian article which considered the popularity of crack within the UK. Please click on: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/jan/23/health.drugsandalcohol to view the full story.
  
  
  
• Hydroponics Shop Owners Sentenced to Prison January 10, 2008
  Two hydroponics shop owners, Paul Fenwick and David Kenning, were each sent to prison for 21 months. Both had been found guilty of conspiring to aid and abet the production of cannabis at Derby Crown Court. Fenwick and Paul Blackshaw, an employee, had also been found guilty of conspiring to counsel the production of cannabis. Blackshaw was given a one year suspended sentence with a community order. The three men legally sold hydroponic equipment, cannabis seeds, anti-detection foil, and extraction fans. However, there was a video of Fenwick and Blackshaw providing advice to an undercover officer on how to grow cannabis. All three men are expected to appeal their convictions. This was a first prosecution of its kind and threatens future prosecutions of other hydroponic shop owners, as well as website owners and authors writing about cannabis cultivation.
  
  
  
• Letter to the Evening Standard January 09, 2008
  Release was invited to submit commentary to the Evening Standard in respect of the leak from Whitehall that the Government intented to reclassify cannabis regardless of the ACMD findings. Please click the above link to view the article.
  
  
  
  
• ACMD to consider downgrading Ecstasy November 29, 2007
  The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ëACMDí) held its first public meeting on 29 November 2007. Professor Michael Rawlins confirmed that a review of the classification status of ecstasy would be undertaken, after calls from other members of the Council for it to be downgraded to a Class B.
  
  Professor David Nutt, also an ACMD member and co- author of a new index of harms table published in The Lancet , advised the Council that ecstasy, LSD and 4MTA should not be Class A drugs.
  
  The ACMD will also be undertaking reviews of the scheduling of anabolic steroids, currently legal to possess for personal use, and whether GBL should join the current list of controlled drugs. As GBL has a wide range of commercial applications this could prove problematic.
  
  This work will be in addition to the review of the classification of cannabis. The ACMD will be meeting to discuss cannabis on 5 & 6 February 2008 with the 5th of February being an evidence gathering day open to the public. Anyone interested in this area can submit their opinions to the ACMD for consideration.
  
  
  
• ACPO supports reclassification November 27, 2007
  The Association of Chief Police Officers (ëACPOí) is retracting their support for the downgrading of cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug. At their conference on 27 November 2007, ACPO suggested that the reclassification sent out the ìwrong signalsî and that there is now a tangible link between regular use of the drug and mental illness in young people.
  
  However, Home Office figures released in October 2006 revealed that the use of cannabis has dropped to a 10-year low, particularly amongst young people. Whilst ACPO believe reclassifying cannabis to a Class C drug has sent out the ëwrong signalsí, the classification system is not about sending out signals but identifying harms associated with a drug.
  
  ACPO said the emphasis should be on targeting dealers, rather than criminalising people who use cannabis recreationally. However, if cannabis is reclassified to a Class B drug under the current penalties, it will be cannabis users who will be impacted on disproportionately. Currently, possession of a Class C drug is a maximum of two years imprisonment whilst possession of a Class B drug is a maximum of five years. The penalties for supplying either Class B or Class C are the same.
  
  ACPOís volte farce is linked to the alleged increased availability of ësuper-skunkí entering the market since the 1990ís. Alex Stevens in the last edition of this publication considered the evidence in relation to the alleged increase in potency of cannabis and found that ëclaims of increased strength of cannabis have been exaggeratedí. Stevens also identified that the reduction in the availability of cannabis resin from North African countries had resulted in an increase in domestic product, more typically herbal cannabis.
  
  The decision to reconsider the classification of cannabis only two years after the last review will certainly mean that cannabis will dominate the media headlines for the next few months. This is a real pity because the other elements of the new drugs strategy, due to be launched in 2008, are so much more important to the development of this field.
  
  
  
• Hydroponics Shop Owners Convicted November 20, 2007
  Two hydroponics shop owners, Paul Fenwick and David Kenning, and one employee, Paul Blackshaw, have been found guilty of conspiring to aid and abet the production of cannabis at Derby Crown Court. Fenwick and Blackshaw have also been found guilty of conspiring to counsel the production of cannabis. The evidence at trial alleged that the three men sold hydroponic equipment, cannabis seeds, anti-detection foil, and extraction fans. There was also a video of Fenwick and Blackshaw providing advice to an undercover officer on how to grow cannabis. However, it is not illegal to sell the equipment, and it is not illegal to sell seeds. An offence is only committed when the seeds are germinated. Further, books and websites are readily available explaining how to grow cannabis. The danger of this case is that it potentially opens the door to prosecuting website owners and authors writing about cannabis growing, as well as other hydroponics shop owners. Sentencing for the three men is scheduled for 23 November 2007.
  
  
• Government's New Drugs Strategy October 19, 2007
  Launched by the Home Secretary in July 2007, the Consultation on the New Drugs Strategy titled ëDrugs: Our Community, Your Sayí aimed to be an opportunity for ëopen debateí on how to deal with drugs within the UK. The paper focused on the successes of the current strategy, due to expire next year, and how this strategy could be developed further. Release's response highlighted that the contents of the consultation paper and hence the expected new strategy seem to be an opportunity missed, failing to identify actual proposals and ignoring much of the evidence which supports a review of the whole approach to tackling drugs. Follow the link above to read Release's response to the Consulation Paper.
  
  
• Release briefing on Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill October 18, 2007
  The Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill introduces 19 new criminal offences to the 3,000 new crimes already created since the current Government came into power. This appears to be a continuation of the trend to create endless laws on immigration and criminal justice.
  
  Release has submitted a Parliamentary Briefing Paper in respect of the Bill. To read a copy please follow the above link.
  
  
• House of Lords overturns manslaughter case October 17, 2007
  On 17 October 2007 the House of Lords overturned the decision of previous Courts in the case of R v Kennedy. The question for the House of Lords was:
  
  ëWhen is it appropriate to find someone guilty of manslaughter where that person has been involved in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, which is then freely and voluntarily self-administered by the person to whom it was supplied and the administration of the drug then causes his death?í
  
  The facts of Kennedy were that the defendant had prepared a syringe of heroin and had then supplied to the deceased who had freely administered it himself.
  
  Kennedy had previously appealed against conviction to the Court of Appeal on two occasions, both times were unsuccessful. However, the House of Lords held where a person supplies drugs to another they can never be guilty of ëunlawful actí manslaughter where the later has freely and voluntarily self-administered the drug, which then causes death.
  
  Doughty Street Chambers who represented Mr Kennedy noted, ëThis landmark ruling reasserts the primacy in criminal law of free will, personal autonomy and informed voluntary choiceÖOther convictions based on these overturned cases are also now likely to be re-examined, and in many cases may be found ëunsafeí.í
  
  
  
• Cannabis Induces Tabloid Madness at the Sunday Independent October 04, 2007
  On 16 September 2007, the Independent on Sunday (ìIoSî) published an article entitled ìReclassification of cannabis ëfuels youth crime waveí.î The article cited two studies to support its claims. The articleís allegations are mostly inaccurate and again we see broadsheet journalism adopting a tabloid style when it comes to reporting on drugs.
  
  The IoS article cited research by Kings College London (ìKCLî) indicating that 25 per cent of young offenders in Sheffield have turned to crime to fund their habit. Release has communicated directly with Tiggey May, one of the primary researchers of the KCL study, Young People, Cannabis Use and Anti-Social Behaviour, September 2007. May has informed Release that the Independent article was misleading and inaccurate; the journalist who wrote the article did not contact May or the other co-researchers nor requested a copy of their research; and May even emailed the Independent about the inaccuracies but has yet to receive any response.
  
  The IoSís claim that the study indicates that young offenders are turning to crime to fund their cannabis habit is largely incorrect and sensationalistic. The KCL study in fact states, ìPocket money and work were the most common sources of funding cannabis use. Only eight young people mentioned committing crime to fund their use, seven of whom were YOS [Youth Offending Service] clients.î Noteworthy, the study interviewed only 61 young people, thirty of whom were under YOS supervision. Further evidence of tabloid style journalism is the decision to replace KCLís measured phrase of ìcannabis useî with the more provocative ìcannabis habit.î
  
  The Independent article also refers to a national survey of Youth Offending Teams indicating the rise of cannabis use since reclassification. Release has contacted the Youth Justice Board and Ministry of Justice and neither organisation were aware of a national survey. In fact, NHS Statistics on Drug Misuse: England, 2007, found that for younger adults aged 16 to 24, drug use fell between 1998 and 2005/06 from 31.8% to 25.2%, whilst the use of Class A remained stable. Cannabis use for age group 11 to 15 fell from 13.4% in 2001 to 10.1% in 2006.
  
  Irresponsible journalism continues to mislead the public on almost all drug related issues. Release urges Editors to ensure that their journalists do not simply use drugs to make up sensationalist stories.
  
  
  
• Cannabis Reclassification...AGAIN July 19, 2007
  Release is disappointed by the announcement of the Prime Minister that there should be yet a further review on the classification of cannabis. Apart from the pointless exercise of putting the matter before the ACMD for a third time in four years, with no new evidence since the last review which concluded in January 2006, it is questionable as to whether a personís decision to use cannabis has anything to do with whether it is a Class B or Class C drug. The practical implications of reclassifying cannabis to Class B will be an increase in the number of people in already overcrowded prisons. It is unlikely to have any impact on the numbers using cannabis ñ the reclassification from Class B to C saw no increase in the numbers consuming the drug. If the Government wants to control the use of cannabis in society, including skunk, maybe it is time to consider a regulated supply where those choosing to use cannabis would know what they were buying.
  
  
  
• Proposed Changes to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations July 06, 2007
  Read Releaseís response to the Governmentís proposal to amend the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 including rescheduling Midazolam.
  
  
• Restrictions on Methylamphetamine Precusor Chemicals June 29, 2007
  In response to the purported expected ëepidemicí of methylamphetamine use, the Government is planning to restrict the availability of Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine. Release believes this represents a disproportionate response to the relatively low levels of methylamphetamine use in the UK. Furthermore any such restrictions will be unlikely to disrupt the methylamphetamine market in the UK. For Releaseís full response click the above link.
  
  
• Public Consultation - Independent Prescribing of CDs June 15, 2007
  In March 2007 the Home Office and the Department of Health sought the views of stakeholders on proposals to expand the range of controlled drugs that could be prescribed independently by nurses working in the field of drug addiction. This proposal was broadly welcomed by Release, as the extension of available prescribers could only help to relieve some of the huge pressure being placed on existing drug treatment services. For Releaseís full report please clink the above link.
  
  
• HOME OFFICE PROPOSALS TO OVERHAUL PACE May 31, 2007
  Release responded to the Public Consultation on Modernising Police Powers. The Consultation paper included the proposed codification of PACE 1984 and the Codes, which Release supported as a sensible approach to what has become a cumbersome and complex piece of legislation. However, the Home Office proposals also included the introduction of statutory guidance to replace the PACE Codes. This would remove the current existing legal safeguards for a person detained by the police. Click the above link to read our response.
  
  
• 'Crystal Meth' Reclassified January 18, 2007
  Meth(ly)amphetamine, also known as 'Crystal Meth', has been reclassified from a Class B drug to a Class A drug. This means that anyone found guilty of possession, or supply, will potentially face harsher sentences. Methamphetamine occurs in crystalline, powder and tablet form and can be ingested, smoked or injected. Release is surprised by the Government's decision to reclassify methamphetamine considering there is little evidence of use wihtin the UK.
  
  
• Ion Track Testing at Pride 2006- your rights July 13, 2006
  Sussex Police have issued a press release stating that they will be taking their Ion Track Device to Pride 2006. Read Amber Marksí article for RELEASE, explaining the proposals and your rights if you are asked to undergo a test.
  
  
• Alcohol Harm Reduction - World Cup 2006 June 13, 2006
  Many police forces and local authorities around the UK have been gearing up for the expected increase in drinking during the World Cup in June and July 2006. Click on the above link for a quick reminder of the law on public drinking and drunkenness.
  
  
• Home Office Consultation on Threshold Quantities March 28, 2006
  The Home Office launched a consultation paper on 30 November 2005 in respect of the proposed threshold amounts in relation to s.2 of the Drugs Act 2005. Section 2 introduces the presumption of the intention to supply a controlled drug. Essentially, where an individual is caught with a certain amount of drugs in their possession, 'the threshold amount', they will be presumed to be supplying. Release has previously expressed opposition to this provision considering it to be both unnecessary and unworkable. Please follow the link above to read Release's response to the consultation.
  
  
• Hungarians march for drug policy reform March 28, 2006
  Last Sunday, the day before the Hungarian Parliamentary elections, hundreds of Hungarians took to the streets of Budapest in a demonstration calling for drug policy reform. The protesters challenged in particular verdicts reached in January this year by the Central District Court of Budapest against political activists in the Hungarian Civil Obedience Movement, facing drugs charges. Click here for the full story.
  
  
• New powers in force under the Drugs Act January 26, 2006
  New police powers, contained in the Drugs Act 2005, came into force on 1 January 2006. The provisions create a new offence of aggravated supply and extend detention where a person is thought to have swallowed drugs. These powers could have negative repercussions for individuals' human rights, something that Release was keen to stress when we published our response to the Drugs Bill 2005, the precursor to the Act. Here Release provides an explanation of these new provisions.
  
  
• Home Secretary's reply to Release January 20, 2006
  Release's public letter to the Home Secretary in December 2005, signed by supporters ranging from Sting to the Liberal Democrat Party, helped kickstart public comment on the reclassification of cannabis from a number of mental health and drugs organisations and individuals. Charles Clarke's reply thanked Release for continued good work in the field. He had already acknowledged that the reclassification had led to no increase in the use of cannabis among young people, contrary to his own expectations, and that reclassifying yet again would lead to just more confusion.
  
  
  
• Mexico- Going South January 12, 2006
  In a country with a trillion dollar economy, endemic poverty endures, combining with mass scale ethnic inequalities and the privation of the US war on drugs. Christopher Hallam describes the current and historical, social and political landscape in Mexico and discusses how the rising indigenous movement is likely to change it.
  
  
• NEWSFLASH on Ketamine December 29, 2005
  As reported by us in October, the new law on Ketamine will come into force on 1 January 2006. From then on, Ketamine will be controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a Class C, Schedule 4(1) drug. This means that it will be a criminal offence to possess it without prescription, carrying a sentence of up to 2 years in prison and a fine.
  
  
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