UNJUST CANNABIS LAW

Sir: The Home Secretary, Jack Straw, says that if campaigners can show that
cannabis is not a dangerous drug, then the Government may reconsider its
stance on cannabis prohibition ("Straw's challenge over cannabis drugs", 5
January).

The evidence has always been there. In 1968, the UK Royal Commission, the
Wootton Report, concurring with other major reports on cannabis, said that
cannabis ought not to be illegal and its use did not pose unacceptable
risks. Since then other reports have concluded that cannabis is not
addictive, does not lead to hard drug use, does not detrimentally affect
memory or motor skills (including empirical testing of the effects on
drivers), does not cause cancer or damage the lungs, and is not associated
with any particular lifestyle.

Maybe the arrest of Jack Straw's son has achieved something after all.
Maybe now people will wake up to the fact that this unjust and unworkable
cannabis law may eventually lead to the arrest of their own sons and
daughters, for using a safe plant in preference to dangerous intoxicants, a
crime without a victim.

Jack Girling, Chairman, Campaign to Legalise Cannabis
International Association, Norwich

Sir: I did not wish to know the name of the young man arrested on a charge
of dealing in cannabis. Learning his identity, and that of his father, told
me nothing useful about the Government, its policies, its probity or any
other matter of legitimate public concern.

Michael Streeter recognises (Saturday Story, 3 January) that "there are
good reasons to protect juveniles facing criminal allegations". He then
adds, "in cases of teenagers accused of similar offences . and named by the
media, government law officers have not stepped in and sought protective
injunctions". If it is true that the media are so lacking in wisdom and
compassion, then the correct conclusion is that more such injunctions
should be sought, and vigorously upheld.

The Rev Paddy Benson, Heswall, Merseyside

Sir: When 19 years old, I was convicted and fined #100 for possessing (not
dealing) less than one-sixteenth of an ounce of cannabis at the Reading
Festival. I too come from a "good family".

Now 27, I wish to study for a PGCE and teach primary children. Does the
Home Secretary think I would be suitable for such a post? I find myself
hoping that William Straw is also convicted. The weed will not harm his
prospects as it has mine.

K Selby, Leeds