Pubdate: Tue, 30 Oct 2001
Source: Scotsman (UK)
Copyright: The Scotsman Publications Ltd 2001
Contact:  http://www.scotsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/406
Author: Alun Buffry
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

VICTIMLESS CRIME

I cannot understand the logic employed by Janet and Paul Betts (your report, 24 October) in response to the proposals by the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, to decrease the penalties for cannabis possession. It is clear the law has not done well as a deterrent against young people smoking cannabis; in fact, the result is, it is often sold by people who offer harder drugs, which the Betts sensibly oppose.

People who suffer from cannabis use need the help of doctors, not policemen, and that small percentage of users who claim to have been harmed is no reason to punish all users.

Cannabis use is a victimless crime, and people do not deserve to be punished for that; rather they deserve the protection of the law. This can only be achieved by full legalisation, enabling a legal supply system separated from hard drugs.

I hope the Betts are right when they say this is the first step towards legalisation.

ALUN BUFFRY

Legalise Cannabis Alliance, Norwich, Norfolk
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MAP posted-by: Beth