PUB LTE: Cannabis laws 'stupid' and unworkable'

Pubdate: Thus 1 March 2001

Source: Braintree and Witham Times (UK)

Editor: clive_mariner@essex-news.co.uk

Address: 76 High Street, Braintree, Essex CM7 1JP

Author: Don Barnard

CANNABIS LAWS 'STUPID AND UNWORKABLE

Sir - Everyone knows that cannabis is dangerous addictive substances which turns out to be 'not all that dangerous' and 'not all that addictive' - could this be the reason for the alleged disrespect for authority and rampant use of cannabis by all sections of society?

Does this also justify a 'relaxation' of the laws that would otherwise control?

I am told good laws should reflect the latest scientific understanding, be accepted by the public as fair, enforceable, consistent, and conform to international Human Right Law.

UK cannabis control policy fails on all counts and it is not therefore either a realistic or a sensible goal of public policy!

If a good law is one that reduces misconduct, while a bad law results in increased infractions, then laws controlling cannabis raises the question that is too seldom addressed when considering policy on cannabis - Does social deviance lead to social controls, or do such controls result in deviance?

No, today's climate does not justify a 'relaxation' of the rules which would otherwise control. Rather, it necessitates a strengthening of the constitutional norms to safeguard reasonable exercises of personal liberty from unwarranted invasion, and to prevent uncontrolled hysteria from severely impairing our legislators.

Nothing promotes disrespect for authority more than unjust and unworkable stupid laws