29Oct/090
Chief drug adviser accused ministers of “devaluing” evidence
Professor David Nutt, of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, says it does not cause major health issues.
He accused ex-Home Secretary Jacqui Smith of "devaluing" scientific research. The Home Office said his view did not reflect that of the government.
In 2004 cannabis went from class B to C. In 2008, Ms Smith returned it to B. A Home Office spokesman said: "Prof Nutt's views are his own."
He added: "The government is clear: we are determined to crack down on all illegal substances and minimise their harm to health and society as a whole."