Pubdate: Thu, 24 Dec 1998
Source: Sun, The (UK)
Contact:  Charles Rae
Contact:  HE'S TALKING RUBBISH, SAYS MUM OF ECSTASY VICTIM LEAH

The Prince's comments opened up a furious debate last night on legalising
cannabis for MS sufferers.

The mum of teenager Leah Betts - killed by one Ecstasy tablet - accused him
of "opening a can of worms."

But he was backed by the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Nurse Jan Betts, 49, who now runs a drugs helpline, raged: "Prince Charles
doesn't know what he's talking about.  There is no painkiller in cannabis.
It is a perception alterer and can change your perception of pain."

"You can think your pain is wonderful but it can have the opposite effect
and make it worse.

"The pro-drugs lobby will probably latch on to this and before we know it
legalisation will be through.  I Think it is ethically and morally wrong for
the pro-drugs lobby to use this in the same breath as the legalisation of
cannabis for recreational use."

Mrs Betts of Latchingdon, Essex, said if pot was legalised it would turn
drug dealers into legal businessmen.

But peter Cardy, chief executive of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, said:
"The Prince is right to say some sufferers who take cannabis find relief
from the unpleasant symptoms.  I don't think he is setting himself up as a
doctor.  His concern just shows how important it is that this issue gets
addressed instead of being swept under the carpet.  It is really helpful.

"Quite a lot of people with MS do use cannabis because they find
conventional remedies don't work or are not prescribed for some of the nasty
symptoms like spasm and pain.

"It is sad and regrettable that they have to deal in the criminal world."

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Checked-by: Rolf Ernst