Source: Evening News, Norwich, UK

Pub Date: Saturday June 22 1996

Pub LTE: Cannabis medicine is illegal

Author: Mick Pryce

CANNABIS MEDICINE IS ILLEGAL.

I write on behalf of a lady who is unable to do so herself as she has severe multiple sclerosis.

The only medicine which seems to help relieve her muscle spasms and depression is illegal - it is cannabis.

I do not blame her for trying to obtain cannabis illegally, but there are two major problems.

Street cannabis often contains unpleasant impurities, and there is the possibility of arrest.

She avoided the problem of impurities by growing her own in her back garden, but the drug squad arrested her, leading to an appearance in court and a fine.

There are many reasons for legalising cannabis.

The Government sees the use of cannabis as part of an overall undesirable drug culture.

Legalising cannabis would separate it from other illegal drugs.

The Government also says that most people remain silent on the issue, and this is taken as a sign that they approve the law.

Help repeal the laws which prohibit cannabis.

Write to your MPs now.

Michael Pryce