CANNABIS AND LAWS

I note, your views in your comment column on February 20 about the levels
of drinking and drug taking.

I believe everyone knows that cannabis is dangerous addictive substances
which turns out to be 'not all that dangerous' and 'not all that addictive'
- -could this be the reason for the alleged disrespect for authority and
rampant use of cannabis by all sections of society?

Does this also justify a 'relaxation' of the laws that would otherwise control?

I am told good laws should reflect the latest scientific understanding, be
accepted by the public as fair, enforceable, consistent, and conform to
international Human Right Law.

UK cannabis control policy fails on all counts and it is not therefore a
realistic or a sensible goal of public policy!

If a good law is one that reduces misconduct, while a bad law results in
increased infractions, then laws controlling cannabis raises the question
that is too seldom addressed when considering policy on cannabis - Does
social deviance lead to social controls, or do such controls result in
deviance?

No, today's climate does not justify a 'relaxation' of the rules which
would otherwise control. Rather, it necessitates a strengthening of the
constitutional norms to safeguard reasonable exercises of personal liberty
from unwarranted invasion, and to prevent uncontrolled hysteria from
severely impairing our legislators.

Nothing promotes disrespect for authority more than unjust and unworkable
stupid laws