Newsletter February 09

Drug policy has been in the news more than usual lately – the reclassification of cannabis, the review of ecstasy by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), and proposed new legislation for problem drug users and sex workers. 

Once again the government has resorted to its blinkered view that the only way to bring about positive social change is through the criminal justice system.

Legal Team News

Cannabis was reclassified from Class C to Class B on 26 January. The maximum penalty for possession has increased and there are new guidelines for policing it on the streets. For further information, visit Release’s UK Law page. 

This policy change, supported by the Conservatives but opposed by the Liberal Democrats and much of the House of Lords, is highly unlikely to have any impact on the numbers of people smoking cannabis. It will however result in the increased criminalisation of cannabis users and a greater strain on precious police resources.  Contact the Release Helpline for further information.

Drugs Team News

The Drugs Helpline has recently received a high volume of calls from clients who have been tested or are awaiting drug tests at their place of work. In most cases those testing positive face disciplinary proceedings which invariably result in dismissal.

Previously the helpline was receiving calls from both employees and employers looking to minimize the impact of a positive test in the workplace. Many employers were eager to retain valued employees especially where low level positive results would have little or no impact on performance in the workplace.

In light of this increase in calls from employees, and surprising reduction in the number of employers seeking advice, the drugs team wonders whether this is another troubling sign of the economic recession. Gary Sutton, Head of Drugs Services, is in no doubt: “In discussion with callers it is becoming increasingly apparent that businesses faced with financial difficulties have discovered a quick, cheap and uncomplicated way to jettison staff."

Campaign Team News

The campaigns and legal team have lobbied MPs on the Policing & Crime Bill and the Welfare Reform Bill.

The Policing & Crime Bill as it stands will criminalise prostitution and those using the services of a prostitute, which will inevitably result in pushing the sex industry further underground and exposing sex workers to greater risk. Release has urged the government to listen to the voices of the sex worker industry before forcing unwelcome legislation on their profession.  Read Release’s policy briefing.

The Welfare Reform Bill as it stands will force dependent drug users to undergo drug treatment or risk having their benefits withdrawn. Whilst Release welcomes the government’s wider attempts to support drug users back into work, the approach currently suggested is flawed in principle and will be ineffective in practice. Read Release’s policy briefing.

Release was invited to speak at the Liberal Democrat Policy Conference drugs workshop, and continues to support their attempt to develop a new drug policy platform.  By engaging in a mature debate, the Lib Dems can develop effective policies that will result in tighter and more compassionate drug regulation.

International News

International drug policy is high on the agenda due to the forthcoming high-level Commission on Narcotic Drugs meeting in Vienna on 11/12th March. Political leaders will gather to reflect on the objectives and commitments made by the UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on Drugs in 1998 and to agree on a framework for the next phase of global drug policy.  Despite the total failure of its past objective of a ‘Drug Free World’, tensions remain regarding the inclusion of harm-reduction language in the next strategy.  Release and the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) have been working hard to achieve the best possible outcome from the Vienna sessions.

Hero of the Month - Baroness Molly Meacher

Baroness Meacher, a crossbench peer, tabled a debate in the House of Lords on 22nd January about drugs.  The sensible and mature debate that followed, contrasted sharply with the political posturing and senseless arguments familiar to the House of Commons.  If only there were more people like Baroness Meacher willing to speak out in the Commons.

Take Action

- Contact your MP to demand an evidence based drug policy -

The ACMD published its 12-month review of MDMA and ecstasy, which is the most comprehensive research ever undertaken into the drug and the only one since ecstasy was included in the Misuse of Drugs Act in 1977.   Concluding that because of its relatively low levels of social and physical harm, ecstasy should not sit in the same category as heroin and crack cocaine, the government’s advisory body recommended ecstasy is reclassified as a Class B substance.  However, the government has stated that it has no intention of accepting this advice and will keep ecstasy in Class A.  The government remains terrified of drug policy and needs your encouragement to engage with the debate and take the evidence seriously.

Please contact your MP and reassure him/her that having a mature debate on drugs is something that their constituents will support.  For any help with this, please contact Claudia Rubin.


Events



 London 'Make a Difference' Campaign Roadshow - 20th March.  A free event for campaigners looking to share ideas and gain skills relevant to your area. For more information visit the NCVO website



Cradle to Grave, National GP Conference - 7th/8th May, Liverpool. A two-day event for all drug sector and healthcare workers.  For further info visit Healthcare Events website

 

The date of the eagerly-awaited Release annual conference will be announced shortly. Watch this space!