Letter: Drug Ban is No
Solution
Source: The Sentinel
Date: December 12 2007
Author: Dilys Wood
Type: Letter
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I Would very much appreciate the opportunity to respond to T Cope's letter (This
dreadful drug just destroys lives, December 5).
Firstly, I don't know the source for the statement that "since Labour
downgraded cannabis, more young people started smoking it," but both the
European Union Drugs' Agency and the British Government have reported a
reduction in cannabis use by young people since its declassification to Class
C. Unless T Cope has seen research to the contrary, his statement is incorrect.
Secondly, there is plenty of evidence to prove that cannabis is no more a
gateway to hard drugs than tobacco or alcohol and, while it can create some
short-term feelings of paranoia, cannabis certainly doesn't create
schizophrenia.
The Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs reported in October that the
increased risk of schizophrenia due to cannabis use is actually less than one
per cent and even then only in those genetically susceptible to the condition.
I have seen lives destroyed by alcohol and gambling but I wouldn't accept the
criminalisation of those for whom these are harmless and pleasurable pastimes.
I agree the justice system does not deter anyone from drug use, which is why I
don't accept that continued prohibition can be the answer.
DILYS WOOD Legalise Cannabis Alliance Stoke-on-Trent
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk
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