I WAS shocked to read (Evening News, August 9) about the conviction of John Crome for the possession and cultivation of cannabis. In 1999, John stood as a candidate in Norwich City Council elections representing the Legalise Cannabis Alliance Party. I helped distribute his election leaflets in the ward where he stood. He received 78 votes, which was more than five per cent of the votes cast. His election literature explained about his medical condition and why cannabis was crucial to his medication. [continues 129 words]
The story (Evening News, December 18) about drop-in centre manager Ruth Wyner being imprisoned for allowing the centre to be used by drug addicts, illustrates the irrational nature of the current drug laws. Many homeless people have drug and addiction related problems. This case has created a precedent in that now if homeless drug users attend a drop-in centre for homeless people and take any drug supply with them, then the centre manager is obliged to have them arrested and charged with possession. [continues 115 words]
Many homeless people have drug and addiction related problems. This case has created a precedent in that now if homeless drug users attend a drop-in centre for homeless people and take any drug supply with them, then the centre manager is obliged to have them arrested and charged with possession. They will then be sent to prison where it is widely known that all kinds of drugs are freely available. If the p[olice carried out a similar kind of operation in any number of prisons in the United Kingdom, that is with hidden cameras and undercover officers masquerading as the homeless, no doubt they could supply evidence against the prison governor that he is turning a blind eye to drug dealing going on in the prison. Surely it is time to return to the policy of the 1960's, when drug addiction was dealt with as a medical matter rather than a criminal matter. Paul Livingstone, Peacock Street, Norwich [end]
