I WANT to add to the article that you published (July 10) entitled "MP welcomes change in drugs policy".

The article might have given the impression that the reclassification of cannabis, from Class B to Class C, will decriminalise it. In fact this is not the case. However, young people will not be charged with possession of small quantities of the drug providing their involvement with the police is not associated with any other arrestable offence. They are likely to be arrested and charged if they are persistently caught with cannabis in their possession. Dealing in the drug could result in a heavy prison sentence (up to 14 years).

It is important to realise that the current law will not change until next July. There is to be a debate in Parliament, probably in the autumn, then the Home Secretary will enact the necessary legislation to change the trafficking and dealing penalties and put in place codes of practice for the police to work to.

I welcomed this step forward announced a few days ago in Parliament. However, my views on cannabis are well known. I want to disconnect the sale of cannabis from the criminal market. The only way to do that is to legalise its use. That will involve renegotiating international agreements.

Dr Brian Iddon

Member of Parliament for Bolton South East