THE ROUTE TO HARDER DRUGS

I would like to ask those people who support the decriminalisation or
legalisation of cannabis whether or not they have witnessed, at first
hand, the damaging effects that the use of this drug can have on a
susceptible person and the tragic consequences that can result for
his/her family?

The consumption of cannabis can have long-term neurological and
psychological effects, particularly on vulnerable people with
disturbed personalities; a short-term effect can be to make users feel
paranoid and anxious depending on their mood at the time.

If smoked with tobacco, an addictive and carcinogenic substance in
itself, it can also pose a risk for people with existing respiratory
or heart disorders. And let us not forget that it is quite often taken
in tandem with alcohol, another drug.

The idea that the pushers will be eliminated along with the illiberal
legislation is wrong. Pushers will merely move on to selling Class A
drugs like heroin and cocaine, knowing that some people will want try
something stronger once the "high" from cannabis has worn off. In a
radio debate only this week, it was suggested that the Dutch policy of
separating soft drugs from hard drugs has resulted not in an increased
use of cannabis, but in an increased use of harder drugs.

It is easy to say that only a minority of those who say "Yes" and
experiment with drugs go on to become regular users or addicts; but
that minority is rapidly increasing, especially among our young people.

And when your whole life is changed because of the effects of
drug-taking on someone you love very much, then it is understandable
why some people cannot view the idea of cannabis achieving the same
status as alcohol and tobacco with any great enthusiasm.