CANNABIS USER UP FOR ELECTION

Sir -

According to your Wednesday, March 29 article "Cannabis user up
for election", Cllr John Holdich, chairman of Peterborough City
Council's social services committee, said:

"My personal view is if you do deregulate cannabis or other drugs, you
might as well give up on law and order."

Cllr Holdich also accused the candidate, Marcus Davies, of a publicity
stunt which degrades local government.

Is telling the truth a publicity stunt? Is it degrading?

Furthermore, Cllr Cathy Weaver's comment: "I'm sure the police would
be interested in this individual" shows complete lack of compassion
and understanding.

I agree that, on a strict interpretation of the law, Mr Davies'
actions are illegal - but where is the moral justice in punishing
someone for easing the pain of illness? I am sure the police have (or
should have) better things to spend our money on. There must be bigger
criminals who are more harmful to society.

Clearly the cannabis issue has become a local election issue. After
all, many people in the area certainly use cannabis. Surely they have
as much right to have a candidate representing them as anyone? Cllr
Holdich is correct in saying we should not give up on law. But to
question the effectiveness of the law as applied to cannabis is not
surrendering - true surrender is a refusal to debate the cannabis issue.

Mr Davies may not get elected, but I am sure he will educate the
eventual winners. Go for it Marcus. you have the truth and the facts
on your side.

DON BARNARD
Campaign for the Legalisation of Cannabis
International Association,
Braintree