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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: High days and holidays
The Independent on Sunday
Sunday 14 Jul 2002 The Independent on Sunday was the first national newspaper to campaign for the legalisation of cannabis. So we give David Blunkett a single cheer for announcing that cannabis users will no longer be automatically charged. But he has sent out conflicting signals. Under his latest proposals, dealers face even tougher penalties, while police will still be able to arrest people for possessing cannabis "where public order is threatened". So what is the Government's overall message? The Home Secretary appears to be suggesting simultaneously that cannabis is more harmful than alcohol, and that it is no more harmful than alcohol. In trying to please everyone he has left us all in a muddle. This is probably because the Government itself is confused. At first, Jack Straw, Mr Blunkett's predecessor, took a hard line against soft drugs and was amazed to find his conservative approach being attacked by the right-wing press. A more self-confident government would seek an approach that balanced personal freedom with the need to reduce crime and prevent people from using more harmful drugs. Mr Blunkett has too many items in his in tray. Any single week sees him announcing new policies on asylum-seekers, reforming the criminal justice system, modernising the police and negotiating public spending with the Treasury. He needs a holiday. In the autumn, a refreshed Home Secretary should revisit his muddled approach to cannabis. Public opinion seems at ease with a liberalisation of the law. Increasingly, this is the view of thoughtful Conservatives, too. He should be bolder. Only then will he deserve more than a single cheer.
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