Source: Letter in Evening News, Norwich

Date: 5 May 1992

Author: J Girling

RECENTLY we have written to all MPs, including those newly elected, many bishops, all the local doctors, may herbalists and homeopaths, the Press and all the local public houses, nightclubs and cafes.

Our topic is the relegalisation of cannabis and we are seeking opinions and debate. So far the response is very poor; about six MPs have replied, the others have remained silent. Is this because they do not know, do not care, or are too afraid to comment either way?

Cannabis has been illegal for over 60 years and we are asking why it should remain so. Where is the evidence that it is a harmful any more than, say, tea or coffee? If our MPs, bishops and doctors cannot tell us, who can?

Mr Patrick Thompson, MP, recently wrote that there may be a case to reconsider. Judge Pickles says legalise. Dame Janet Fooker, MP and member of the Select committee on drugs, says she is adamantly opposed to legalisation of cannabis - on the advice of the Americans!

These laws ruin the lives of thousands of often otherwise law-abiding citizens in the UK every year. How can this be justified? The situation is urgent. It is vital that the cannabis laws are publicly debated immediately. Who will accept this debate?

J. Girling

Campaign to Legalise Cannabis

Peacock Street

Norwich