LEGALISATION IS
THE ONLY WAY FORWARD: Published Letter
Source: Essex
Chronicle, UK
PubDate: 29
January 2003
Pub LTE:
Legalisation is the only way forward
Author: Don
Barnard
Contact:
editorial@essexchronicle.co.uk
Website: http://www.thisisessex.co.uk/
I cannot
understand why anyone wants to retain a law that allows for putting cannabis
users in jail.
From January 29,
the possession of cannabis will still be an arrestable offence for all minors
and those who flout the law.
Adults found in
possession of an unspecified amount of cannabis (consistent with personal use)
may be arrested, and that means preventing the sick and
dying from
cultivating and using the only medicine that works for many of them.
Why should
someone be classed as a criminal simply for growing and consuming a plant,
providing they are doing no harm and posing no threat to anyone?
Alleged hazards
There's been
much talk about psychosis and other alleged hazards relating to cannabis use.
Space does not
permit me to address how dangerous cannabis is - or is not. But I do accept we should be concerned about
the health of the 4.5 million
cannabis users
in the UK.
But let's get
real. These bad things have been happening under prohibition for over 30 years.
Why should
anyone think that continuing prohibition would improve the situation?
Is the law just?
People who 'use' or 'grow cannabis' for their own consumption, or to share with
friends in private are punished. The disputed issue is whether they should be
punished.
A debate on the
desirability of amending the laws controlling cannabis cannot proceed sensibly
unless it begins with a reason in favour of punishing people who cultivate and
use cannabis.
Ask yourself -
and your friends, neighbours, teachers and those involved in implementing.
Government's anti-drug strategy - do you think that the laws
that put people
in jail for non-commercial cannabis cultivation or possessing cannabis are
justified? If so, why?
If the question
cannot be answered to your satisfaction, you should conclude that People using
cannabis should not be punished.
Different
approach.
A Criminal
Justice led system has not worked, does address the concerns of parents and.
the medical profession.
It's time to
try' a different approach.
We need
legislation that reduces the harms, without infringing upon personal privacy
and the right to chose one's lifestyle and beliefs.
We need
legislation aimed at protection, not control
Reclassification
is an illusion of change.
The Legalise
Cannabis Alliance believes the way forward is a legal regulated control of cannabis
with licensed outlets such as cafes, with quality control, education,
restricted access to the young, and removal the criminal contact in obtaining
cannabis.
Don Barnard
Legalise
Cannabis Alliance
Braintree
Essex