Thousands of leaflets are to be distributed in GPs’ surgeries as part of a bid to find out ways of reducing the damage caused by drug misuse.
Under the government plans, addicts and former users will also be asked for their views at a series of focus group meetings.
The Home Office is trying to find out ways of minimising the harm illegal drugs cause to society as part of a consultation on a new drugs strategy.
More than 200,000 of the consultation leaflets will be distributed to police stations, libraries and other public places as well as practices as part of the programme.
People will be asked whether cannabis should be reclassified as a Class B drug, which could lead to tougher penalties being imposed on people who use it.
It follows Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s announcement that he has ordered a review of the decision to downgrade the drug back in 2004.
The drug strategy applies mainly to England and Wales, but some aspects such as drug classification cover the whole of the UK.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has also announced a £5.65m funding boost for the Government’s Frank drug information campaign.
The service offers professional confidential advice to people worried about the effects of drug abuse.
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