LEGALISING DOPE WILL CREATE MORE ADDICTS

1 : A cannabis wrecked family: Cannabis has ruined my family. My daughter
was introduced to it at 15 by her boyfriend. They got my son addicted at
12. My wife has been addicted for 8 years and my youngest daughter at 14.
Ecastcy, cocaine and speed -- you name it, my daughter has tried it.
Should it be legalised? Ask my two granddaughters. They say 'no'. Name
and address supplied

2. A friend and I started smoking cannabis at 13 and after three years I
tried other drugs. They nearly wrecked my life and I gave them up before
it was too late - unlike my friend who died from a heroin overdose aged 22.
Imagine how many more tragedies there would be if buying cannabis was as
easy as ordering a pint of lager. Ray Cottington, Hornchurch, Essex.

3. We should not legalise cannabis because it is the first step to hard
drug addiction. I speak with experience - it happened to one of my
relatives. P.P Lambeth, SE London

4. I'm a 40-year-old ex soldier who started smoking cannabis at the age of
11 at boarding school, even though both my parents were police officers.
I've never progressed to harder drugs so it need not be the stepping stone
to ruination. In the army most of my friends smoked it and I often smelt
it in the officers' quarters. It has proved more effective than legal
medicines - and it is probably a lot cheaper. PO, Bishop Aukland, Co.
Durham

5. I do not think cannabis should be legalised but it should definitely be
made available on prescription. This would possibly end up reducing NHS
drug bills. J. Fletcher, Derby

6. I am a city broker and have smoked cannabis fives times a week for more
than 10 years. I find it relaxing after a hard day and so do many of my
colleagues. I think it should be legalised, but from specialist outlets
with information readily available. D. Williams, Epping, Essex

7. My husband has multiple sclerosis and finds smoking cannabis greatly
relieves his suffering. I wish the Government would reconsider legalising
cannabis as a prescribed drug for people like my husband. Name and address
supplied.