Bryan Slater Director of Education	Distribution
	Primary Schools High Schools Pupil Referral Units Special Schools Further Education

The attached document is provided for your information:

INFORMATION	Title	RECLASSIFICATION OF CANNABIS
	Summary of contents	Outlines changes to law in relation to cannabis and how these may impact on educational establishments. Highlights position of school drugs policy and the need to inform young people of these changes.
	Associated documents	1. Letter from Chief Constable 2. ACPO cannabis enforcement guidance
	Date	26/01/2004
	Effective from	30/01/2004
	LEA Contact	Barry Gibson	(	01603 433276
	E-mail address	barry.gibson@norfolk.gov.uk
	Norfolk Self Review reference	2. How effective is the school in developing pupils’ attitudes, values and personal development? 5. How well does the school care for its pupils? 7. How well is the school led and managed?
	Document reference	MI 25/04

Dear Colleagues,

CHANGES TO THE LAW RELATING TO CANNABIS

You will be aware that the drug cannabis is to be reclassified with effect from 29^th January 2004. This letter – together with the attached documents from Norfolk’s Chief Constable - sets out what this will mean.

There should be no change in the way schools deal with cannabis-related incidents, as outlined in their school drugs policy. Now might be a good time to remind young people how such incidents will be dealt with, and that cannabis is still an illegal and harmful drug. Schools might like to do this through PSHE/Citizenship, assemblies etc.

In addition to the information from Norfolk Police, I hope the following points will help you, your staff and young people:

• Despite reclassification, cannabis is still an illegal substance
• Whatever changes may occur in social attitudes, cannabis is illegal, so there is no reason why anyone should be in possession of any amount on a school, PRU, or college site during the school day, on school transport, or while on educational visits etc
• Anyone under the age of 10 found in possession will be considered to be “at risk” and appropriate referrals will be made
• Anyone aged 17 or under found in possession will be arrested and, within the youth justice framework, be given a reprimand, final warning or be charged
• Anyone aged 18 or over found in possession inside or in the vicinity of schools, youth clubs, play areas etc, may be arrested
• The Chief Constable’s letter states “Incidents that occur on school premises necessitating the attendance of the police are still likely to result in arrest”
• There is currently increased concern about the long term health implications – both physical and psychological - of cannabis use

I will post a copy of this letter and other information regarding cannabis on my website at www.norfolkesinet.org.uk (click on School Staff, then Curriculum, then Drugs Education, then News). The Government website www.drugs.gov.uk/campaign may also be of use to you and your staff when informing young people of the changes to the law relating to cannabis.

Yours sincerely

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION