MAKE CANNABIS LEGAL, SAYS POLL

Almost two-thirds of callers to a phone-in poll want cannabis
legalised for a trial period, it emerged yesterday.

Of 4,000 voters, 61 per cent back the sale and consumption of the
drug. Home Secretary Jack Straw has said he is willing to have a
reasonable debate on cannabis use and there is a fresh attempt to
gauge MPs' support for decriminalisation or legalisation.

Labour MP Paul Flynn is seeking support for a 10-minute rule Bill
calling for cannabis to be legalised for a trial four-year spell when
it will be sold under strict conditions from specially licensed
premises. Although all three major political parties officially oppose
legalisation each faces growing dissent within their ranks.Tory
Treasury spokesman Howard Flight said: "I think there are extremely
powerful arguments that criminalisation creates crime and does not
stop usage."