MAKE IT LEGAL

D. McEnroe, (Letters, 23 May) raises some valid concerns relating to the
re-legalisation of cannabis. It appears he has little faith in doctors, who
until 1971, were allowed to prescribe cannabis. Any patient receiving
prescribed cannabis would receive proper advice and guidance on its
use. They would be informed on what reactions to expect and how to cope
with any temporary side-effects. There is no proven scientific evidence
that cannabis causes mental illness, psychological damage or violent
behaviour. Like any prescribed drug, patients would be advised to
discontinue its use if they experience any adverse reaction. Equally
important, is the fact that doctors would prescribe pharmaceutical grade
cannabis, unlike most cannabis resin sold in Britain today. Due to
prohibition, this highly adulterated substance contains many noxious
ingredients. Why should patients be forced to resort to this hazardous
black-market product? There's no sense in prosecuting the "well-balanced"
majority to protect the vulnerable few. As Mr McEnroe and increasing
numbers of children have discovered, despite the law, cannabis is readily
available in Hampshire. A legal, regulated and controlled cannabis trade
would shine a light on any problems, allowing and encouraging the few who
experience difficulties to seek professional help without fear of
prosecution. The present laws are failing to protect either the vulnerable
or our children!

Derrick Large, Legalise Cannabis Alliance, Kings Somborne

LAW IS AN ASS

Relating to comments from Derrick Large, the Legalise Cannabis Alliance
candidate in the Romsey by-election, D McEnroe wrote: "Although a good
percentage of users find it safe, enjoyable and even medicinal, it is also
proven to create mood swings, anxiety, depression, paranoia and in rare
cases can spark off schizophrenic episodes, all of which are stressful to
sufferers and their relatives" (Letters, May 23). It is not folly to
continue to arrest and punish those who find cannabis safe and "even
medical" and those who suffer the effects described? If people need help,
then they should be helped. Otherwise they should simply be protected by
law, not punished. The bad effects were no doubt caused by dangerous
additives. Those effects are not reported in the scientific studies of
cannabis smoking communities cited in, for example, the report of the
Family Council of Drug Awareness, Europe. While cannabis remains illegal
its supply is in the hands of uncontrollable dealers who may be more
concerned with profit than with quality. Health matters should be for
doctors, not for policemen. It is doing no good arresting either the sick
or the well who use cannabis - well over 120,000 people a year - at a cost
of billions. That could be spent in many better ways.

Alun Buffry, Norwich

NOT ADDICTIVE

I would like to ask D McEneroe (Letters, May 23) what drugs do not have
side effects? Paracetamol and aspirin can be abused and kill thousands
every year. The same for alcohol and nicotine which are both psychoactive
(tobacco was originally used in a far stronger form which induced
hallucinations). Alcohol is also a major cause of disorderly conduct and
many crimes result. Cannabis is different. It is neither addictive,
lethal. nor carcinogenic. Indeed, some studies have shown it protects
against cancer, strokes and even from biochemical warfare. In addition it
has many therapeutic and medicinal uses, it does not induce violent
behaviour. Cannabis is, however still a drug, and like any drug there can
be people who find its use debilitating. The answer is simple: don't use
it. The only harm done through cannabis is imprisonment. This has to
stop. Not one official study has shown that cannabis should be
prohibited. All the official government reports from countries worldwide
found that cannabis should be legalised, controlled and taxed with age
limits imposed and certain restrictions upon the use of machinery and driving.

Linden Farrer, ZeroZero Magazine, Oxford