Source: The People Newspaper (UK) 
Pubdate: January 4th 1998 
Contact:  
Author: Dean Rousewell 
Comment: Short letters preferred.

83% POLL BACKS NEW LAW ON CANNABIS

The People Say Change Your Mind Jack. 

MPs Are Fighting For A Change In The Drug Law.

MPs have backed calls for a rethink on Britain's tough cannabis laws as
exclusive People poll revealed huge support for the decriminalisation of
the drug.

Last week we asked : Should cannabis be decriminalised? Of the hundreds of
readers who phoned in, an astonishing 83 per cent said Yes.

Delighted campaigner Labour MP Paul Flynn said : "I believe in modern
Britain that the number of people who want a change in the law is very high.

"Medically, cannabis is one of the most effective pain relievers in the
world for a whole range of conditions, while recreationally it is the drug
of choice for millions of young people.

"By keeping cannabis illegal, all we are doing is helping dealers to expand
their empires."

Now Mr. Flynn, MP for Newport East, is setting up a group of his colleagues
to campaign for change.

It is expected to receive backing from many Liberal Democrats and Labour
backbenchers who believe there should be an inquiry into the effects of
decriminalisation.

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman Menzies Campbell said "We believe
there should be a Royal Commission to look at the whole issue of drugs law.

"We would be foolish to bury our heads in the sand."

Jackie Ballard, Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton, said: "If a Royal
Commission proved that cannabis use does not lead to harder drugs that
would be positive."

And Gordon Prentice, Labour MP for Pendle, said the law should change to
allow doctors to prescribe cannabis to patients suffering from conditions
like cancer and multiple sclerosis.

"As it stands, people whose illnesses are relieved by cannabis have to buy
it on the street corner or grow it at home and are classed as criminals as
a result," he said.  "A British Medical Association report is clear about
the benefits of cannabis and I am satisfied it should be prescribable."

Last week The People exclusively revealed the findings of two drugs experts
who have written a book exploding the myths about marijuana use.

Professors John Morgan and Lynn Zimmer said their research proved that
cannabis use: + Does not lead to harder drugs. + Is less addictive than
tobacco or even coffee. + Has no link with causing crime.

But Establishment figures are still set against the tide of opinion.

Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Cabinet have consistently come out
against legalisation.

And former Chief Constable Hallawell, the drugs tsar appointed to spearhead
the anti-drugs battle across Britain, has also declared that legalisation
is not an option.

A spokesman for Mr. Hallawell told The People last night: "He believes that
there should be an on-going debate.

"But he is not persuaded by the arguments for decriminalisation." The Tory
party have continually rejected the arguments for change.

Shadow Home Secretary Brian Mawhinney was adamant: "You cannot legalise drugs.

"using drugs is dangerous and this remains true whatever the home
background."