UK: From decrim to recrim? The number of people caught in London with cannabis has increased by 29 percent since penalties were softened from Class B to Class C early this year. The change in class means that pot smokers no longer face certain arrest - though police have discretion to arrest if they think it's warranted - and users can be fined.
On the other side, for those of you keeping score, the number of arrests are actually down by 53 percent, while police say arrest reduction has saved them about £425,000.
Some politicians aren't happy, saying the public is confused by the change in law. And British Prime Minister Tony Blair, facing impeachment, looks ready to crank up the drug war during his reelection campaign:
New powers to compulsorily test those arrested for minor crimes will be balanced by enhanced treatment programmes. Police will be allowed to prosecute users for possession even if the only drugs found on them are in the bloodstream. Laws that allow the closure of crack dens will be extended to enable councils to evict tenants who allow their properties to be used for even casual drug use.
Other reports suggest drug users will be coerced into treatment, even if they haven't been caught breaking any laws.
I hope the people of England will recognize Blair's political desperation for what it is.
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