Published letter: 'Legalise cannabis' challenge

Pub date Thursday 2 May 2002

Author: Don Barnard

Contact gazette_postbag@thisisessex.co.uk

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.: we 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,