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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Call for new law on recreational drugs
Edinburgh Evening News
Monday 22 Nov 2004 NEARLY two-thirds of people believe recreational drugs should be controlled by the Government and given out by doctors and pharmacists, a new poll reveals. The survey, carried out by ICM for the Daily Mirror, also found 76 per cent thought Prime Minister Tony Blair was losing the war on drugs. The results came as Home Secretary David Blunkett prepared to announce new proposals on drugs as part of the Queen's Speech. People arrested for relatively minor crimes are set to be compulsorily-tested and prosecuted if drugs are found in their bloodstream. Councils would also be able to evict tenants who allowed properties to be used for casual drug use under the new plans. In the poll, the vast majority (95 per cent) wanted a change in the way drug offenders are dealt with. But while 48 per cent said they should receive compulsory treatment for their addiction, 15 per cent favoured tougher sentences for all users. Just seven per cent believed all drugs should be legalised, with ten per cent thinking the same for just soft drugs, meaning a total of nearly one in five believed there was a case for legalising at least some drugs. Some 28 per cent wanted them to remain illegal even if it meant leaving them in the control of drugs gangs while 31 per cent said police should concentrate on nailing drug dealers rather than users. Young people thought legalisation would reduce offences such as gun crime, burglary, car crime, and prostitution.
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