CAN THESE PUNISHMENTS BE JUSTIFIED?

I AGREE with Antonia Blaxland that a tolerant attitude is required towards
those who prefer to use cannabis (A plea for more tolerance for all, EN,
September 28), however, we also need a just society.

The principle I invoke is that no one should be punished unless there are
compelling reasons for doing so.

In any attempt to evaluate the justice or injustice of our drug policy we
must address whether the laws are just and whether cannabis possession is
the kind of thing for which punishment is appropriate.

We can justify punishment for people who rape, rob, steal etc - these
crimes harm people and society.

But, come on, why do we have laws that allow for locking up people who use
cannabis or grow a few plants?

The basic question I pose is: Should we continue to punish people who use
cannabis? If a satisfactory answer cannot be provided, I must conclude
that our current policy is unjustified and should be changed!

Don Barnard,

Legalise Cannabis Alliance,

Norwich