Pubdate: Mon, 09 Jul 2001 Source: Guardian, The (UK) Copyright: 2001 Guardian Newspapers Limited Contact: http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardian/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/175 Authors: Stefan Wickham, Hugh Robertson Legalise Cannabis Alliance, James Mackenzie, Mary Wilkinson, DRUGS LAWS DON'T WORK At last the country seems to be gearing up for a major debate on drugs (Mood changes as MPs break ranks, July 7). Most of Europe has long accepted the US war on drugs to be a complete waste of resources and, at worst, an exacerbating factor, fuelling organised crime. Half of our EU neighbours are starting to dismantle the prohibition of drugs and are moving towards controlling markets. Which way will we swing? Will Europe woo us with their growing concern that drug abusers should be treated as victims? Will we listen to the pragmatic "tax it" lobby, which is more vocal on softer drugs? Or will we continue to follow the US and pour billions of dollars into a fight that will never be won? Why not have some pubs that serve cannabis? Other drugs (used illegally by 30% of the population) could be available from licensed sellers who have a specialist medical qualification. Everything is kite marked. The streets are safer. It's obvious, isn't it? Not when you see bored kids doing crack on your council estate. Not unless you can be persuaded that regulation will mean it will be more difficult for children to obtain drugs. But everybody now knows it is easier for kids to get drugs than alcohol - which should be enough to win the argument. The major group of drug users - aged between 20 and 30 - are unlikely to change their habits, however they acquire their drugs. They don't need drugs to be legal. But society does - to learn about and treat the 15% of drug users who become addicted and to curb the spiralling cost of drugs crime. Stefan Wickham London - --------------------------------------------------- It is gratifying to see a senior Tory calling for the legalisation of cannabis, less than a year since Ann Widdecombe called for zero tolerance (Lilley calls for off-licenses to sell soft drugs, July 6). The Tories now have time to properly review the evidence and realise what a social disaster cannabis prohibition has been. Poll after poll has shown that the public of all ages are against current policy, whilst polls of the young show strong support for full legalisation. These are the same people who are least likely to have voted. The fact that none of the main parties proposed changing the cannabis law was not the only reason so many young people didn't vote - but it certainly didn't help. Hugh Robertson Legalise Cannabis Alliance - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Peter Lilley's rethink on cannabis is welcome. The Greens have been calling for common sense for years, and the Lib Dems at least favour a royal commission. How extraordinary that New Labour, fierce defenders of civil liberties in opposition, may soon be left as the only major party committed to prosecuting this victimless crime. James Mackenzie Scottish Green party - ----------------------------------------------------------- GW Pharmaceuticals could well be right (Research casts doubt on cannabis benefits, July 6) that better results come from using the whole plant. When we ran a survey at the end of 1997, 70% of the 200 readers who replied said cannabis had greatly relieved their pain or muscle spasm. It is unlikely they were using cannabis derivatives. Canada is to legalise the possession of cannabis for chronically ill people from the end of this month. The UK government awaits the results of trials which will take at least another two years. Meanwhile it is trying to reduce expenditure on incapacity benefit. Disabled people could be forgiven for feeling criminalised on one side and demonised on the other. So much for "inclusion". Mary Wilkinson Editor, Disability Now --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom