Menu
19/07/2007
Home Secretary confesses to smoking cannabis
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has admitted to reporters that she smoked cannabis while at university.
Ms Smith, 44, told the BBC that she smoked cannabis when she was attending Oxford University in the 1980s.
She said that she smoked it "a few times" and conceded that she had broken the law. However, she said that she had never taken any other illegal drugs.
Ms Smith's comments came a day after Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that he was considering changing the law on cannabis, reclassifying the drug back to a Class B drug. It was declassified to a Class C drug in 2004.
Ms Smith is not the first Home Secretary to admit taking cannabis. Charles Clarke also said that he smoked the drug at university.
Last year, a small quantity of cannabis resin was found in the home of Ms Smith's predecessor John Reid.
Mr Reid denied all knowledge of the drug, which was found in a guest room of the house.
On Thursday, another Home Office minister, Tony McNulty, also admitted smoking cannabis while at university and it was later reported that both new Chancellor Alistair Darling and Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly had taken the drug as well.
(KMcA/SP)
Ms Smith, 44, told the BBC that she smoked cannabis when she was attending Oxford University in the 1980s.
She said that she smoked it "a few times" and conceded that she had broken the law. However, she said that she had never taken any other illegal drugs.
Ms Smith's comments came a day after Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that he was considering changing the law on cannabis, reclassifying the drug back to a Class B drug. It was declassified to a Class C drug in 2004.
Ms Smith is not the first Home Secretary to admit taking cannabis. Charles Clarke also said that he smoked the drug at university.
Last year, a small quantity of cannabis resin was found in the home of Ms Smith's predecessor John Reid.
Mr Reid denied all knowledge of the drug, which was found in a guest room of the house.
On Thursday, another Home Office minister, Tony McNulty, also admitted smoking cannabis while at university and it was later reported that both new Chancellor Alistair Darling and Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly had taken the drug as well.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 May 2008
'U-Turn' As Cannabis Reclassified To Class B
Cannabis has been reclassified as a Class B drug, it has been announced today. In making her decision The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith went against the advice of The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), which wanted to keep it a Class C drug. The council has not been overruled for 30 years.
'U-Turn' As Cannabis Reclassified To Class B
Cannabis has been reclassified as a Class B drug, it has been announced today. In making her decision The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith went against the advice of The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), which wanted to keep it a Class C drug. The council has not been overruled for 30 years.
07 September 2009
Brixton Drug Gang Get Long Sentences
A gang of criminals who ran a lucrative drug dealing network from a car tyre shop in Brixton were sentenced last week to a total of 81 years in prison. Nine men, who were previously convicted of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, appeared at Kingston Crown Court today to hear their sentences.
Brixton Drug Gang Get Long Sentences
A gang of criminals who ran a lucrative drug dealing network from a car tyre shop in Brixton were sentenced last week to a total of 81 years in prison. Nine men, who were previously convicted of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, appeared at Kingston Crown Court today to hear their sentences.
29 May 2015
23 Charged With Drug Offences Following Raids
More than 20 people have been charged with drug offences following a number of raids carried out in London, Gravesend, Dover and Deal. A total of 23 people were arrested during twenty raids carried out over three days. The suspects, ranging in age from 17 to 52, have all been charged in connection with the supply of class A drugs.
23 Charged With Drug Offences Following Raids
More than 20 people have been charged with drug offences following a number of raids carried out in London, Gravesend, Dover and Deal. A total of 23 people were arrested during twenty raids carried out over three days. The suspects, ranging in age from 17 to 52, have all been charged in connection with the supply of class A drugs.
11 January 2010
800 Cannabis Plants Seized
Two men have been arrested after police in Tipton seized 800 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of £100,000, at an industrial unit in Sedgley Road East. Officers were called to reports of a fire at the address on last Monday at around 6pm.
800 Cannabis Plants Seized
Two men have been arrested after police in Tipton seized 800 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of £100,000, at an industrial unit in Sedgley Road East. Officers were called to reports of a fire at the address on last Monday at around 6pm.
02 May 2003
Cannabis associated death rate similar to tobacco
Contrary to a widely-held belief that cannabis smoke is relatively harmless, new research published in the British Medical Journal indicates that the death rate associated with smoking cannabis is as high as that found among cigarette smokers.
Cannabis associated death rate similar to tobacco
Contrary to a widely-held belief that cannabis smoke is relatively harmless, new research published in the British Medical Journal indicates that the death rate associated with smoking cannabis is as high as that found among cigarette smokers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
