Pubdate: Fri, 20 Apr 2001 Source: Colchester Evening Gazette (UK) Copyright: 2001, Quicksilver Media Contact: http://www.thisisessex.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/799 Author: Don Barnard QUESTIONS ABOUT CANNABIS WITH the general election due to be called at any moment, Labour's local canvassers, policy makers and campaign organisers will no doubt have received their 600 page policy guide. This guide gives all the stock, party line answers to questions that they may be asked about by the prospective voters. The 'model' answer for canvassers over legalising cannabis: 'Labour remains firmly opposed to the legalisation or decriminalisation of any currently controlled drug. "The scientific evidence is quite clear about the harmful effects of cannabis, both long term and short term'. Yet, if the scientists and experts are right, cannabis is demonstrably less harmful than beer, tobacco and most over the counter medications. So why are we still arresting 100,000 people a year, including sick people who need this herb for pain relief? These are the questions that I want answering from Labour. I won't hold my breath. Don Barnard Legalise Cannabis Alliance - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart