Pubdate: Fri, 24 Mar 2000
Source: East Anglian Daily Times (UK)
Copyright: 2000 Eastern Counties Newspapers Group Ltd
Contact:  +44 (0)1473 233228
Address: 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, UK
Website: http://www.suffolk-now.co.uk/
Author: Alun Buffry
Cited: The Legalise Cannabis Alliance:  http://www.lca-uk.org

COURT ORDEAL OVER CANNABIS 'UNJUST'

Sir,

Although pleased that MS sufferer Thomas Yates was found not guilty of
the 'crime' of growing and using cannabis to ease his symptoms (EADT,
March 18th) we are saddened that he was ever dragged before a jury in
the first place.

We were further saddened to read that another MS sufferer, Lesley
Gibson, is due to appear before another jury for her use of cannabis
to help her deal with the "awful afflictions" associated with the
disease (EADT March 20).

The whole concept of taking people before the courts for growing and
using a plant that clearly benefits them, is in itself enough to make
one ill with despair.

Recent evidence, from results of experimentation using cannabis to
treat mice injected with MS, does confirm the usefulness of the plant,
but what a shame that the Government prefers such experimentation in
the laboratory to listening to living, breathing and suffering members
of the human race.

It is surely about time that cannabis was legalised and utilised in
its many beneficial ways.  Any talk of possible health risk from the
use of the plant should be kept amoungst the health service.  Such
such risks should not be a matter of law, but for the doctors to
decide.  After all, common and dangerous drugs such as alcohol and
tobacco, that kill many thousands each year, are not banned, so why
should cannabis be prohibited when it kills none.

sincerely,

Alun Buffry
Legalise Cannabis Alliance
Norwich
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