So, Labour MP Martin Salter wants a royal commission to examine drug
policy concerning marijuana (Cannabis scare fails to ignite, October
19). A fine idea, but it has already been done - many times: Indian
Hemp Commission (1893); LaGuardia Report (US 1944); Presidential
Commission on Law Enforcement (US 1967); Report by the Advisory
Committee on Drug Dependence (UK 1968); President's Commission on
Marijuana and Drug Abuse (US 1972); Inquiry into the Non-Medical Use
of Drugs (Canada 1972); and Report on the Non-Medical Use of Drugs
(Australia 1979).

In each case the reports have concluded that marijuana prohibition is
without a justifiable foundation. Public opinion polls consistently
support substantially reduced penalties, and often decriminalisation
or limited legalisation. Studies consistently demonstrate that its
harmful effects are far less than those of alcohol or tobacco. There
is no rational reason for the demonisation of this herb. So let us not
waste time with yet another commission. Why not just do the right thing?

Brian Otto,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1577/a02.html
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1577/a01.html

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