Pubdate: Wed, 28 Oct 1998 Source: Scotsman (UK) Contact: http://www.scotsman.com/ Copyright: The Scotsman Publications Ltd Author: Keith S Bovey DESTRUCTIVE HABITS Sir, - The tragedy of the spread of heroin abuse in Fife and other country districts is highlighted in your report of the drugs conference at Dunblane (24 October). There is, however, no suggested diagnosis of the reason for it. One reason is that the law which proscribes both, virtually on an equal footing all but for the difference between Class A and Class B drugs, is prosecuted with such vigour that instead of leaving cannabis smokers in peace to indulge their harmless hobby, we are creating conditions in which some of them turn to destructive habits. When several hundred cannabis dealers and handlers are collectively serving thousands of years' imprisonment in British jails, their absence has made room for more sinister operators. Neither the minister nor the drugs Czar will entertain relaxation of the prohibition on cannabis, so they will have to live with the consequences. Keith S Bovey Morningside Road Edinburgh - --- Checked-by: Rich O'Grady