1. This circular draws attention to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (amendment) order 2008 that reclassifies cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol and its derivatives from Class C to Class B drugs under Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, including any preparation or other product containing these substances. In addition, any substance which is an ester or ether either of cannabinol or of a cannabinol derivative is reclassified as a Class B drug. (As a result of these changes, it should be noted that cannabis oil is also subject to control as a Class B drug.)
2. The reclassification comes into force on 26 January 2009. The order, like the act it amends, applies to the whole of the United Kingdom. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Modification) (no. 2) order 2003 (S.I. 2003/3201), which reclassified cannabinol and cannabinol derivatives and cannabis and cannabis resin as Class C drugs in Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 with effect from 29 January 2004, has been revoked. Accordingly, this circular supersedes Home Office circular 005/2004.