DRUG TESTS INADEQUATE (2 of 2)

In response to Annabel Goldie's article (Opinion, 23 April), the fact
that the drug war cannot keep drugs out of prisons, much less schools,
is indicative of the failure of zero tolerance. In the United States,
police searches on public transport, drug-sniffing dogs in schools and
random drug testing have led to a loss of civil liberties, while
failing to prevent drug use.

A majority of European Union countries have decriminalised cannabis.
In spite of zero tolerance, lifetime use is higher in the US than in
any European country. The short-term health effects of cannabis are
inconsequential compared to the long-term effects of a criminal
record. Scotland should just say no to the American
inquisition.

ROBERT SHARPE

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Arlington Virginia, USA