KENNEDY'S CALL FOR DRUGS REVIEW

Sir, Charles Kennedy's call for a royal commission to examine drugs policy
should surely give a much-needed opportunity to review progress in the past
20 years. Further imitation of the policies of the US, which has the worst
drugs problem in the world, can never have a positive effect.

That the UK has the worst record in Europe is sadly beyond dispute. Perhaps
it might be prudent to have a look at the Dutch who, with their licensed
coffee shops selling cannabis, now have the most successful drugs policy in
all the world in terms of containing the level of use. They have failed,
some would claim, because they have not eradicated drugs from their
society. But any policy with a goal of total eradication is frankly
ridiculous.

I write as a medical cannabis user and founder member of the Medical
Marijuana Co-operative (MMCO). Recreational and medicinal use are two
separate, indeed disparate, issues.

Anti-drugs campaigners in Scotland have suggested in response to Charles
Kennedy's remarks that most people here do not want cannabis made legal.
However, were there to be a referendum, I believe that people would
overwhelmingly support its legalisation for medicinal use.

I cannot understand those in power who would continue to identify us, a
small but vulnerable social group, as deserving of being apprehended, and
consequently prosecuted and punished for using the only means available to
effectively treat their conditions. These are not the actions of followers
of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Yours faithfully,
HAMISH CRISP,
10/18 Abbey Court, Edinburgh EH7 5XN.
itsimth@sumteeik.demon.co.uk
August 16.