John Campion, the Police and Crime Commissioner welcomed the news that was announced recently that the classification of Spice, a synthetic form of cannabis, will be reviewed as part of a series of national initiatives around drugs. Spice is a mix of herbs and shredded plant material with manmade chemicals that can have mind-altering effects. It is also referred to as Black Mamba, Bliss, Bombay Blue, Genie and K2.

The Commissioner has pushed for Spice, and other synthetic cannabinoids to be reclassified as Class A drugs because of the devastating impact they can have on users and wider communities.

The Government has asked for new assessments on the substances from both the National Crime Agency and the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

John Campion said: “These substances are doing significant damage to the individuals taking them, as well as wider communities nationwide. I have acted on that feedback from our communities in West Mercia and lobbied Government. I am pleased that the Government has clearly listened to those concerns.”

“I believe reclassifying synthetic cannabinoids is an important step, but if it happens, that alone would not fix the problem. Reclassification would give more powerful tools to our police and criminal justice system, but I firmly believe that effectively tackling drugs needs a holistic approach with support from a wide range of local and national partners.”

Synthetic Cannabinoids have been linked to 27 deaths nationally in a 12 month period, and have led to an increased demand on policing and other public or emergency services.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.