THERE'S NO NEED TO PUNISH THE SICK

I read with interest Roger Aston's letter opposing the use of cannabis
in medical trials.

Mr Aston seems to have confused the relationship between cannabis and
violent crime with the relationship between cannabis and illness. The
two are completely separate issues.

The message being sent out by this research is not that drug abuse is
acceptable, but that cannabis is a painkiller, and that sufferers of
physically crippling illnesses have a right to a better quality of
life.

No-one chooses to be ill, and the law should not be used officiously
to punish those who are ill, or anyone who goes out of their way to
help them. Cannabis has proved time and time again to have medicinal
purposes.

Any research directed towards improving the lot of sick people by
trained and committed professionals, using any drug, legal or
otherwise, can only be welcome.

SEAN FLANAGAN

Highfield Way
Aldridge