SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO DEBATE CANNABIS LEGALISATION

A motion submitted by MSP Margo MacDonald will be published in the
Scottish Parliament Business Bulletin today (Monday 30 August 1999)
calls for a panel of experts and lay people to examine the issue of
cannabis in Scotland. A further 11 MSP's will have to indicate their
support before it goes forward for debate.

"The time is right for the issue to be debated." she added. "it's
nothing to do with political parties, and I hope it will be discussed
before Christmas".

When she was part of the Scotland Against Drugs Organisation. Margo
MacDonald left, because she says, they passed up the chance to change
things when the Church of Scotland's social committee suggested a
Royal Commission on the issue of cannabis.

Margo MacDonald has to be thanked for not letting the issue of
cannabis be swept under the table as is the case at Westminster, but
she seems to be more concerned about the waste of recourses caused by
the present cannabis law's other than the medical benefits of cannabis.

Cannabis should be legalised as soon as possible for medical and
social purposes and have the same penalties and restrictions as
alcohol and cigarettes.

Scotland has lead the world in modernisation for centuries let us lead
the world in pain relief and the full issue of drugs.

Where is the crime if their is no victim? The victims are people who
are denied their birthright to be pain free.