After months of lobbying from Westminster Conservatives, the Home Office has agreed to designate the psychoactive drug Spice as Class B under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Many residents, visitors and workers have noticed the consequences of the large number of rough sleepers and beggars who have been smoking Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid. Many of the users do not understand the serious and detrimental effects caused by this new drug. Hardened heroin and crack users have highlighted the suffering they have experienced after taking Spice, including severe hallucinations, seizures and violent episodes. Sadly, we have also experienced a number of deaths amongst our street population over recent months, which have been attributed to consuming this dangerous drug.
Cllr Nickie Aiken, Leader-elect at Westminster Council, said “Conservative Councillors in Westminster launched a multi-pronged campaign highlighting the dangers of the drug amongst the street population and those living in our hostels. Concerned for the welfare of those who are considered the most vulnerable in our society, we brought together experts in homelessness, drug addiction as well as the police and National Crime Agency to find workable solutions. One strand was to lobby the Home Secretary to reclassify the drug to allow the police to seize it from those possessing it, which could lead to their harm.”
“However, it is very important to make it clear that this move is not about demonizing or arresting vulnerable people but rather to ensure the safety and well-being of them and others by seizing this extremely dangerous drug.”
Westminster Conservatives firmly believe that securing this change will make a real difference to protecting the most vulnerable not only in our city but also across the whole country.
