THERE SHOULD BE A BALANCE

Sir - In the debate about the reclassification of cannabis, one aspect has
been consistently missing: the link between smoking cannabis and
smoking-related lung diseases.

It is already widely accepted that smoking is a public health disaster, yet
we ignore the fact that the most common delivery mechanism for cannabis -
smoking - is likely to have a similar impact on respiratory health as
smoking tobacco. Indeed, rather than being a gateway to hard drugs,
cannabis-smoking may be a gateway to nicotine addiction.

If we are to feel confident in the advice we give to young people about
smoking cannabis, we need to know the facts. The Government's approach to
cannabis needs to balance sensible policing with appropriate public health
messages.

Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive, British Lung Foundation,

London EC1