Pubdate: Tue, 28 Mar 2000
Source: Independent, The (UK)
Copyright: 2000 Independent Newspapers (UK) Ltd.
Contact:  1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL
Website: http://www.independent.co.uk/
Author: Alun Buffry, Legalise Cannabis Alliance  http://www.lca-uk.org

CASE FOR CANNABIS

Sir, You report that Tony Blair may consider legalising medicinal cannabis
if the trials currently being conducted on MS sufferers using cannabinoid
extracts, are successful (March 24).

That would be the very least we should expect.  The legalisation of
cannabinoid extracts will leave it firmly in the hands of pharmaceutical
companies, whilst people will probably still be banned from growing it
themselves..

That would take us right back to 1970, when tincture of cannabis was
prescribed by doctors.  Claims that it was being used as a recreational drug
contributed to its withdrawal and prohibition.

Since then, thousands of people in the UK have been taken through the courts
on cannabis charges, including many sick people, some of whom have been sent
to prison. How many more young people will be given criminal records for an
act that victimizes none?

What is the real crime?

Alun Buffry Legalise Cannabis Alliance http://www.lca-uk.org
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