Cannabis is still illegal

From now on those found in possession of the illegal drug will face a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment instead of the previous five-year ceiling.

However, the Home Office and police force have stressed that the re-grading of the drug is not a softly-softly option for suppliers, dealers, producers and traffickers, who still face a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.

Both authorities have launched a vigorous campaign stressing that the drug is still illegal and offenders can be arrested for acts such as smoking it in public and repeated offending.

Redbridge MPs Linda Perham and Iain Duncan-Smith all have mixed views on the recent change in the law.

Slamming David Blunkett's ruling, Woodford Green Conservative MP Mr Duncan Smith fumed: "It's rubbish, complete and utter nonsense. The Home Secretary has taken leave of his senses.

"This is absolutely the wrong thing to do and I am pleased that Michael Howard has pledged to reverse this under a Conservative government."

Mr Duncan Smith said that discussions with countries such as Sweden revealed that their hard-line stance on drugs was proving very successful, coupled with a full and proper rehabilitation programme.

He said: "Over here we now have a mixed message about drugs and no rehabilitation. This reclassification will not cut offending, it will confuse young kids who will now have drugs pushed on them," he said.

"I know what it's like, I've seen it happen. Kids are getting the wrong message. Drug-taking has rocketed because dealers don't just deal softer drugs, they also deal hard drugs and they will push these onto young people."

However, welcoming the move is Ilford North Labour MP Linda Perham who said: "The reclassification enables the police to better manage drug use and its suppliers who are still going to get up to 14 years imprisonment.

"In fact the new classification will mean a stricter approach to suppliers of all category C drugs, which now include prescription drugs.

"We're talking about a situation where cannabis use is widespread and it was getting to the stage where it was becoming unpoliceable under the existing set-up.

"The problem is not that kids think it's more acceptable, the problem is knowing it's unacceptable that the drugs are still available to kids."

She added: "Let's not talk about mythical problems which may or may not occur. What we're dealing with is the problem that's here and now."

Redbridge Primary Care Trust has produced the following series of questions and answers to highlight the changes to the law and briefly discuss the health effects of cannabis. How has the law changed?

The law in respect of the classification of cannabis under the Misuse of Drugs Act changed on January 29.

Cannabis has moved from a class B to a class C drug as defined by Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Does cannabis result in the use of "harder" drugs?

Many people who use drugs such as heroin or crack cocaine also use or may have used cannabis in the past.

This does not necessarily mean that cannabis use leads to the use of harder drugs.

What help is available locally?

REDBRIDGE DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICE: for anyone with a drug and/or alcohol problem who lives in Redbridge including advice and information to carers and relatives. Based at RDAS, 4th Floor, 11 Chapel Road, Ilford IG1 2DR. Ring 8924 6510

DRUGSLINE CHABAD: Substance abuse prevention and support programme for people with drug related problems, their families and friends. Based at 395 Eastern Avenue, Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex IG2 6LR. Telephone Crisis Line 0800 731 0713

1 NE (NUMBER ONE NORTH EAST LONDON): Problem drinkers/alcoholics who want abstinence. Also service for relatives and friends of addicts. Based at 1 Beulah Road, Walthamstow, London E17 9LG. Telephone 8509 1888.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICE FOR LONDON (REDBRIDGE): Clients with either their own alcohol problems or those affected by someone else's drinking. Based at Capital House 134-138 Romford Road, London E15 4LD. Ring 8257 3068.