LEGALISE CANNABIS CHALLENGE

Elaine Mullucks (Times post April 18) asks if I realised the abandoned site
for a cannabis cafe in Spa Road Witham is practically next door to an
infant and junior school, and ten minutes away from another school.

Of course I did.

That aside, I get the message Elaine. You don't want a cannabis cafe on
your doorstep. However, I find your arguments concerning children
ill-informed and spurious:

There are various other establishments selling substances which some would
consider far more harmful than cannabis (solvents, tobacco, alcohol,
pornography and kitchen knives to name but a few) which kids pass every day
without being adversely influenced. Why should a cannabis cafe (albeit
semi-legal) be any different?

A challenge: The Legalise Cannabis Alliance invite readers to join in a
healthy democratic debate, (based on facts and common sense) in the
confidence that it will strip away many of the misconceptions about cannabis.

It will demonstrate the cannabis hemp plant is much more than a
recreational substance, and many long-term social, ecological and economic
benefits can be reaped by rescheduling the substance and the introduction
of cannabis cafes.

We would be pleased to discuss this thread with any anti-cannabis activist
capable of seeing past their own prejudices.

Don Barnard

Press Officer, Legalise Cannabis Alliance