DOPEY LOGIC

Downgrading cannabis will attract users from other countries with a sterner
approach to drugs just as Lambeth has attracted users from all over the UK
during its 'experiment' with non-prosecution for possession.

The Government's approach to drugs has been ambivalent. Hosting parties at
No. 10 for 'celebrities' who are believed to have smoked, sniffed or
injected their way to stardom doesn't give the right message to parents of
vulnerable teenagers.

Putting Mo Mowlam in charge of the anti-drugs policy was a bad joke when
she favoured decriminalisation. Drugs 'Tsar' Keith Hellawell was
undermined from the outset because he was a policeman who didn't smoke or
drink and had never tried drugs. The Government just isn't serious about
the problem. Most effort must go into stopping youngsters taking the stuff
in the first place. This means better policing of clubs and discos.

Peter Hayes, former chair of a drugs charity, Siddington, Cheshire