Sir, Simon Jenkins (Comment, March 29) is to be congratulated on his
criticism of our absurd drug laws, but I cannot agree with his
labelling of heroin as a very dangerous drug.

The dangers of heroin are related solely to its illegality. Addicts
use impure drugs of unknown strength, inject with filthy syringes and
often rely on prostitution and crime to pay for their habit. The
provision of pharmaceutically pure heroin for addicts removes these
miserable, dangerous aspects of addiction.

Conversely, heavy cannabis smoking is associated with lung cancer and
is probably a more dangerous drug than heroin when taken long term. I
urge your indulging readers to try cannabis cookies instead.

Yours faithfully, Alan Mclean, 3 Broomknowe Terrace, Kilmacolm,
Renfrewshire PA13 4HT. March 29.