CANNABIS SENSE

Sir: Home Secretary David Blunkett is to be commended for seeking a change
in outdated cannabis laws. The "reefer madness" myths that originally led
to cannabis prohibition have long been discredited. Blunkett is absolutely
right about the need for an "honest and commonsense approach focusing
effectively on drugs that cause most harm". Maintaining credibility is
critical.

Youth who realise they are being lied to about cannabis often make the
mistake of assuming that harder drugs like heroin are relatively harmless
as well. This is a recipe for disaster. Anti-drug messages need to be
reality-based or they may backfire when children are inevitably exposed to
drug use among their peers.

While Britain's reclassification of cannabis is a step in the right
direction, Blunkett needs to overcome his hesitancy to adopt the Dutch
model, especially if he is serious about reducing the use of hard drugs
like heroin and crack. As long as cannabis distribution remains in the
hands of organised crime, consumers will continue to come into contact with
pushers of hard drugs.

I would like to add that the most commonly abused drug and the one most
often associated with violent behaviour is often overlooked in anti-drug
messages. That drug is alcohol, and it takes more lives every year than all
illegal drugs combined. Alcohol may be legal, but it's still the number one
drug problem.

ROBERT SHARPE

Program Officer

Lindesmith Center Drug Policy Foundation

Washington, DC