Letters

OPENING UP A DEBATE ON DRUGS

At last Britain seems to be gearing up for a big debate on drugs (Blunkett
urges debate on cannabis, July 12). Most of Europe has long accepted that
the United States war on drugs is a complete waste of resources and, at
worst, an exacerbating factor, fuelling organised crime. Half of Britain's
European Union neighbours are starting to dismantle the prohibition of
drugs and are moving towards controlling markets.

Which way will the UK swing? Will Europeans woo it with their growing
concern that drug abusers should be treated as victims? Will it listen to
the pragmatic "tax it" lobby? Or will it 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 could be available from licensed
sellers. Everything is quality-assured. The streets are safer.

Many drug users 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