Source: Western Gazette, UK

Pub Date: 3 June 1999

Published letter: Debate must take place

Author: Mrs S. Day

THANK YOU to Shane Dean, the Editor and to Cllr Tim Harris for opening up the debate on the legalisation of cannabis on last weeks front page (Dorchester edition)

As a local mother and writer on the subject I give my full support to the views expressed. I think it is time we changed these outdated laws on cannabis.

I find nothing but positive agreement from all the people I meet who are no longer under the illusion that cannabis is harmful or to blame for the hard drug abuse that we are now seeing.

When we can clearly see that its recreational and medicinal benefits are appreciated just as much today as they have been for over 5000 years.

It makes a mockery of the legal system and therefore this tolerance is now spreading into the popularity of heroin base cocaine etc, and control is all but impossible while our children can buy a £10 bag of smack because ifs cheaper that an eighth of cannabis and we continue to jail sick people for growing plants

The law itself also prevents many thousands who dare to speak out for fear of becoming one of chiefs' statistics and losing good well-earned jobs and positions within our society. I feel it should be a matter of urgency to campaign the Government for change now.

Mrs S Day, Dorchester