Pubdate: Fri, 11 May 2007
Source: Eastern Daily Press (Norwich, UK)
Copyright: 2007sArchant Regional
Contact:  http://new.edp24.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/131
Author: Alun Buffry
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

CANNABIS RAIDS WON'T REDUCE DRUG DEATHS

Following a series of raids on Norwich houses growing cannabis, 
police reportedly said : "this will make a large impact on the 
drug-dealing community." (Dawn raids on cannabis growers, EDP, 25 April)

On May 8th, we read that "Det Sgt Dave Mytton oversaw seven raids in 
Norwich in the past fortnight, which resulted in 11 arrests and the 
seizure of about 2,000 cannabis plants."

In the same article: "Latest government figures show 60 people in the 
county died as a result of taking drugs in 2005 - a rise from 34 
deaths in 2003."  (Drug deaths soar: Police target pushers"}

What exactly do drugs deaths have to do with cannabis 
growers?  Taking away supplies of cannabis merely sends a percentage 
of less fortunate users on to hard drugs that do kill.

Police have continually raided cannabis growers and dealers over the 
years, yet there has never been any serious reduction in 
availability, only quality.

Following the attack on so-called cannabis factories, over the last 
year, there has been a long spate of cannabis covered with ground 
glass and who-know-what else, not just in Norfolk.  This is a far 
more serious threat to health than the cannabis itself.  The 
prohibition of attractive and commercially-viable commodities such as 
cannabis has and never will work, just like it never worked with a 
alcohol in the US or UK years ago.

Far from limiting harm, it increases it.  In fact the two yardsticks 
used by police to measure their success are a lowering of quality and 
increase in price - both with associated increases in harm.

Legalisation of cannabis would not only allow police time to 
concentrate on hard drugs that do kill (cannabis use per se does 
not), save billions of pounds, allow consumer protection and advice, 
but it would raise revenue through taxation on profits.

It is legalisation, not prohibition, that will reduce harm.

Alun Buffry

Legalise Cannabis Alliance

Norwich
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