Guide Note

July 21, 2007: At least 10 members of the British parliament admitted to past marijuana use in the wake of an announcement regarding a review of Britian's drug policy. Jaqui Smith, selected by Prime Minister Gordon Brown to head the review, was among those to confess using the drug in her youth.

Fast Facts

1. Confessors
   1. Jaqui Smith (Home Secretary)
   2. Alistair Darling (Finance Minister)
   3. John Hutton (Business Secretary)
   4. Andy Burnham (Secretary of Treasury)
   5. Ruth Kelly (Transport Secretary)
   6. Tony McNulty (Home Office)
   7. Vernon Coaker ((Home Office)
2. July 18, 2007: British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the 2nd review in two years into whether cannabis should be reclassified
3. Jaqui Smith has been nicknamed "Jackie Spliff" by the British media
4. Jaqui Smith claims it has been 25 years since she last smoked marijuana

Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the review on Britian's policies regarding marijuana following several studies which have indicated that the drug can lead to schizophrenia.¹ On May 7, 2008, Cannabis was switched from a Class C drug to a Class B, paving the way for stricter regulation and penalties.