The MDA1971 denies citizens equal property rights for certain people who use certain drugs.
The aim of the MDA1971 is to ameliorate the harms of certain drugs on individuals and society. An impact assessment of this Act has never been carried out. The Act remains rooted in historical and cultural precedents which bear no resemblance to the scientific reality. No law should ever be based upon such precedents.
The Act has caused untold damage to millions of individual's lives, communities and society as a whole. It has criminalised millions of otherwise law-abiding citizens for choosing to use certain drugs in a peaceful manner.
Drug users are afforded property rights over alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee; yet these very same rights are denied to users of other drugs, purely for historical and cultural reasons. The current situation is one where 'legal' implies that a drug is 'OK', but 'illegal' equates to 'not OK'; within the context of comparing cannabis with alcohol the implication is extremely damaging. It undermines any important public health messages that need to be made. The prohibition of certain drugs places a blanket of silence over them, preventing any meaningful discussion or debate about the health implications of using these drugs either alone or in combination with others.
It also dilutes the most important message of all: that we must distinguish between drug use and drug misuse.
Why is this idea important?
The MDA1971 denies citizens equal property rights for certain people who use certain drugs.
The aim of the MDA1971 is to ameliorate the harms of certain drugs on individuals and society. An impact assessment of this Act has never been carried out. The Act remains rooted in historical and cultural precedents which bear no resemblance to the scientific reality. No law should ever be based upon such precedents.
The Act has caused untold damage to millions of individual's lives, communities and society as a whole. It has criminalised millions of otherwise law-abiding citizens for choosing to use certain drugs in a peaceful manner.
Drug users are afforded property rights over alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee; yet these very same rights are denied to users of other drugs, purely for historical and cultural reasons. The current situation is one where 'legal' implies that a drug is 'OK', but 'illegal' equates to 'not OK'; within the context of comparing cannabis with alcohol the implication is extremely damaging. It undermines any important public health messages that need to be made. The prohibition of certain drugs places a blanket of silence over them, preventing any meaningful discussion or debate about the health implications of using these drugs either alone or in combination with others.
It also dilutes the most important message of all: that we must distinguish between drug use and drug misuse.
Lets not make the same mistakes as past governments, and be bullied by horror stories and media controlled propaganda over policies that should be determined by Big Society. By this I mean a Government that is Big enough to take on the media which threatens party success, through a miriad of lies, often backed up by people with a limited scope of insight , unable to capture the big picture who are consumed with fear or bigotry. That said Im unsure whether the coalition has the power at this point to sever its tethers to media influence and the control the media has over decision making in our developed country.
Expense and consequence are the reasons for decriminilising Cannabis , the expense is unjustified, and the consequences are horric. The resons for this will follow.
Social control is a big issue that should'nt be overlooked as anyone may agree there is a failure in society, where a generation of youth which have little hope and prospects, This is a failure in parenting. Society has become fragmented leading to a situation which we all know too well. With all the jobsearch schemes that are available and training prospects there may be. Nothing can be done to remedy the chunk of society that pretty much are no good or use, and really dont want to work, or to be of some benefit. There is a new saying going round. "CBA" they call it. (Cant Be Arsed) they use for everything.
Cannabis is blamed for this generation being demotivated as a large majority of these people end up using cannabis to quell the boredom in their lives, and to trigger the pleasure reward mechanisms of the mind, which need stimulating via dopamine receptors to enable them to exist. It is a coincidence that Cannabis simulates these feelings through being able to replicate the body's anandamide which makes them feel satisfied and rewarded.
Cannabis is not to blame for this coincidence, its the lack of social structure and parenting that they become effectively of no use, and have no motivation as they havent been taught to be motivated nor taught how to get these rewards or stimulation through worth and being helpfull, industrious. There is nothing that can be done about this situation. Parenting and morals could be addressed, but not much can be done.
At this point I go on to discuss where drugs, alcohol and social control should be considered in a context that is realistic and more about what big society should be about. The fact is these people use cannabis and alcohol a lot. Alcohol is the big problem, as it makes this section of society angry, destructive and out of control. a large portion of hospital admissions and crime is caused by this section of society, under the influence of alcohol and the cost to the country is massive, socially and financially. Regular people are scared. Its reminiscent of an eastern block Vodka fuelled chaos. This is all cost.
The same people also use cannabis, the effects of this is exactly what is needed to control this disruption and cost. As Cannabis is illegal this also has a cost, although in a totally different nature. Cannabis for most has a calming, relaxed effect on humans. without alcohol, users will be inclined to stay inside, watch tv, listen to music, be creative artistically or musically, feel satisfied and subdued. not angry, agressive and destructive. Cannabis users are motivated differently, actually picking up obsessions and interests of an artistic nature which should be encouraged. The law as it stands, Favours alcohol addiction over cannabis addiction, which is the wrong approach for a progressive society. Alcohol encourages nothing but violence and anger in someone who is dissatified with themselves. Cannabis at worst encourages nothing but being satisfied. However in most cases encourages interest in something that can be worked on. Unlike alcohol. The power of mind control should be encouraged. Some of those otherwise useless people could be encouraged to use the creative interest to be socially usefull via art, music and the things they have become interested in, maybe repairing their pitbike, and go on to become a mechanic. there is hope of something, over nothing with alcohol that is encouraged.
The expense of Cannabis being illegal is vast. As far as criminal records go, if convicted you can expect limited opportunity to secure work in the future, via the CRB vetting system for employers, creating a lifetime of benefit dependency. This also Blacklists these people from securing work if they decide to change their ways. what a massive cost?? and also someone who decides to grow seven plants for themselves can expect to be in court for a year, at a massive cost in legal aid and court time. how much does a year in court cost??? and afterwards will return to use cannabis for the same reason they started to use cannabis? but this time they have less prospect of rehabilitation, due to crb disclosure.
Please lets get real about this situation. we should encourage cannabis over alcohol, due to cost.
Why is this idea important?
Lets not make the same mistakes as past governments, and be bullied by horror stories and media controlled propaganda over policies that should be determined by Big Society. By this I mean a Government that is Big enough to take on the media which threatens party success, through a miriad of lies, often backed up by people with a limited scope of insight , unable to capture the big picture who are consumed with fear or bigotry. That said Im unsure whether the coalition has the power at this point to sever its tethers to media influence and the control the media has over decision making in our developed country.
Expense and consequence are the reasons for decriminilising Cannabis , the expense is unjustified, and the consequences are horric. The resons for this will follow.
Social control is a big issue that should'nt be overlooked as anyone may agree there is a failure in society, where a generation of youth which have little hope and prospects, This is a failure in parenting. Society has become fragmented leading to a situation which we all know too well. With all the jobsearch schemes that are available and training prospects there may be. Nothing can be done to remedy the chunk of society that pretty much are no good or use, and really dont want to work, or to be of some benefit. There is a new saying going round. "CBA" they call it. (Cant Be Arsed) they use for everything.
Cannabis is blamed for this generation being demotivated as a large majority of these people end up using cannabis to quell the boredom in their lives, and to trigger the pleasure reward mechanisms of the mind, which need stimulating via dopamine receptors to enable them to exist. It is a coincidence that Cannabis simulates these feelings through being able to replicate the body's anandamide which makes them feel satisfied and rewarded.
Cannabis is not to blame for this coincidence, its the lack of social structure and parenting that they become effectively of no use, and have no motivation as they havent been taught to be motivated nor taught how to get these rewards or stimulation through worth and being helpfull, industrious. There is nothing that can be done about this situation. Parenting and morals could be addressed, but not much can be done.
At this point I go on to discuss where drugs, alcohol and social control should be considered in a context that is realistic and more about what big society should be about. The fact is these people use cannabis and alcohol a lot. Alcohol is the big problem, as it makes this section of society angry, destructive and out of control. a large portion of hospital admissions and crime is caused by this section of society, under the influence of alcohol and the cost to the country is massive, socially and financially. Regular people are scared. Its reminiscent of an eastern block Vodka fuelled chaos. This is all cost.
The same people also use cannabis, the effects of this is exactly what is needed to control this disruption and cost. As Cannabis is illegal this also has a cost, although in a totally different nature. Cannabis for most has a calming, relaxed effect on humans. without alcohol, users will be inclined to stay inside, watch tv, listen to music, be creative artistically or musically, feel satisfied and subdued. not angry, agressive and destructive. Cannabis users are motivated differently, actually picking up obsessions and interests of an artistic nature which should be encouraged. The law as it stands, Favours alcohol addiction over cannabis addiction, which is the wrong approach for a progressive society. Alcohol encourages nothing but violence and anger in someone who is dissatified with themselves. Cannabis at worst encourages nothing but being satisfied. However in most cases encourages interest in something that can be worked on. Unlike alcohol. The power of mind control should be encouraged. Some of those otherwise useless people could be encouraged to use the creative interest to be socially usefull via art, music and the things they have become interested in, maybe repairing their pitbike, and go on to become a mechanic. there is hope of something, over nothing with alcohol that is encouraged.
The expense of Cannabis being illegal is vast. As far as criminal records go, if convicted you can expect limited opportunity to secure work in the future, via the CRB vetting system for employers, creating a lifetime of benefit dependency. This also Blacklists these people from securing work if they decide to change their ways. what a massive cost?? and also someone who decides to grow seven plants for themselves can expect to be in court for a year, at a massive cost in legal aid and court time. how much does a year in court cost??? and afterwards will return to use cannabis for the same reason they started to use cannabis? but this time they have less prospect of rehabilitation, due to crb disclosure.
Please lets get real about this situation. we should encourage cannabis over alcohol, due to cost.
"Rules in society create good law and order. But too many nannying, unnecessary rules restrict freedom and make criminals out of ordinary people."
You said it, Nick.
Many ordinary people smoke cannabis yet they are shunned to the edge of society and branded criminals. In this day and age it is ridiculous to criminalise people because of what they choose to put into their body, regardless of the government's stance on it. It is particularly ridiculous with regard to cannabis, a drug proven to be less harmful than alcohol, tobacco and many prescription drugs which are available legally from pharmacies.
Please free these otherwise productive members of society – your students, doctors, lawyers, police officers, office workers, friends, family – free the cannabis users from the fear of a criminal record and these unnecessary and counter productive prohibitionist laws.
Why is this idea important?
"Rules in society create good law and order. But too many nannying, unnecessary rules restrict freedom and make criminals out of ordinary people."
You said it, Nick.
Many ordinary people smoke cannabis yet they are shunned to the edge of society and branded criminals. In this day and age it is ridiculous to criminalise people because of what they choose to put into their body, regardless of the government's stance on it. It is particularly ridiculous with regard to cannabis, a drug proven to be less harmful than alcohol, tobacco and many prescription drugs which are available legally from pharmacies.
Please free these otherwise productive members of society – your students, doctors, lawyers, police officers, office workers, friends, family – free the cannabis users from the fear of a criminal record and these unnecessary and counter productive prohibitionist laws.
My idea would be to open a few cannabis out lets ( coffee shops), and monitor how well this works. This would create a number of jobs too.
Why is this idea important?
My idea would be to open a few cannabis out lets ( coffee shops), and monitor how well this works. This would create a number of jobs too.
Israel Has Legalised Medical Marijuana! How long will the UK drag it’s feet, sulking like a naughty school boy who’s been discovered pedaling lies and deceit?
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-relaxes-restrictions-on-medical-marijuana-1.312347
So the media makes Israel out to be some sort of monster when in actual fact the evidence suggests that they are far more reasonable, compassionate and concerned for liberty and justice than we are here in the UK!
Israel realises the senseless injustice of criminalising the sick.
Israel understands that it is not humane to remove the right of the sick to be treated by possibly the best natural medication known to man.
Israel has dealt a significant blow to greedy, self obsessed political / corporate agendas because they see such action as NECESSARY and IMPORTANT, indeed, the Jewish people have a saying: "If you haven't got your health, than what have you got?".
They replaced greedy drug policy with humane and compassionate treatment.
Israel sees the hypocrisy. Israel sees the blatant bigotry. Israel sees the complete and utter failure of the drug war.
Israel is doing something about it.
Is the UK really to be the elephant in the room? Standing on our outdated, prejudicial and, frankly, insane principles we are begging to be left behind by other more evolved, liberated and compassionate societies.
The UK government are a disgrace for while the world is turning to a more liberal future, the UK is so steeped in the web of deceit, propaganda, political complicity and corruption that it would seem they cannot untangle themselves from it without also ruining their own careers. Well, personally, I think that any prohibitionist should be forced from their disgraceful and hateful position of power so that they no longer infect reason with their corrupt, illogical, irrational and perverse sense of justice.
Why is this idea important?
Israel Has Legalised Medical Marijuana! How long will the UK drag it’s feet, sulking like a naughty school boy who’s been discovered pedaling lies and deceit?
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-relaxes-restrictions-on-medical-marijuana-1.312347
So the media makes Israel out to be some sort of monster when in actual fact the evidence suggests that they are far more reasonable, compassionate and concerned for liberty and justice than we are here in the UK!
Israel realises the senseless injustice of criminalising the sick.
Israel understands that it is not humane to remove the right of the sick to be treated by possibly the best natural medication known to man.
Israel has dealt a significant blow to greedy, self obsessed political / corporate agendas because they see such action as NECESSARY and IMPORTANT, indeed, the Jewish people have a saying: "If you haven't got your health, than what have you got?".
They replaced greedy drug policy with humane and compassionate treatment.
Israel sees the hypocrisy. Israel sees the blatant bigotry. Israel sees the complete and utter failure of the drug war.
Israel is doing something about it.
Is the UK really to be the elephant in the room? Standing on our outdated, prejudicial and, frankly, insane principles we are begging to be left behind by other more evolved, liberated and compassionate societies.
The UK government are a disgrace for while the world is turning to a more liberal future, the UK is so steeped in the web of deceit, propaganda, political complicity and corruption that it would seem they cannot untangle themselves from it without also ruining their own careers. Well, personally, I think that any prohibitionist should be forced from their disgraceful and hateful position of power so that they no longer infect reason with their corrupt, illogical, irrational and perverse sense of justice.
I believe that legalising cannabis can be very beneficial to the UK. I have no doubt the economy will boom if cannabis is legalised. Not only is it going to help cut down on crime but it will also increase the amount of new businesses. Legalising it will also ensure that it is monitored and people are not being ripped off or being given a false product.
Legalising cannabis will reduce crime rates were it may have been implicated before.
Legalising cannabis is necessary for health reasons. It has so many benefits to offer a patient in need such as someone with Autism, MS or even Epilepsy. I myself suffer from complex partial seizures. I have had more seizures triggered by alcohol than cannabis. I haven't drank alcohol in years and use cannabis as a way of relaxing and kicking back after a long day at work just like people would with a bottle of Pinot Grigio. The only negative thing about smoking cannabis is that I cannot enjoy it in peublic due to the social stigma. I am not a "druggy". I have not and never will use any other drug. I have never been violent or angry towards anyone while under the influence of cannabis unlike alcohol which can contribute to misconstruing a situation.
I know quite a lot of people that smoke cannabis and the majority of them say they would pay a tax on it if it was legalised.
Give it a trial…….people are asking for it……..will our government listen?
Why is this idea important?
I believe that legalising cannabis can be very beneficial to the UK. I have no doubt the economy will boom if cannabis is legalised. Not only is it going to help cut down on crime but it will also increase the amount of new businesses. Legalising it will also ensure that it is monitored and people are not being ripped off or being given a false product.
Legalising cannabis will reduce crime rates were it may have been implicated before.
Legalising cannabis is necessary for health reasons. It has so many benefits to offer a patient in need such as someone with Autism, MS or even Epilepsy. I myself suffer from complex partial seizures. I have had more seizures triggered by alcohol than cannabis. I haven't drank alcohol in years and use cannabis as a way of relaxing and kicking back after a long day at work just like people would with a bottle of Pinot Grigio. The only negative thing about smoking cannabis is that I cannot enjoy it in peublic due to the social stigma. I am not a "druggy". I have not and never will use any other drug. I have never been violent or angry towards anyone while under the influence of cannabis unlike alcohol which can contribute to misconstruing a situation.
I know quite a lot of people that smoke cannabis and the majority of them say they would pay a tax on it if it was legalised.
Give it a trial…….people are asking for it……..will our government listen?
I would like to see the abolition of laws relating to the criminalisation of recreational drugs, which in my opinion no longer serve any purpose other than to line the pockets of legal proffessionals and drug lords.
In order to explain my idea I will use my own real life example.
My house was burgled, the police came for which I paid.
The scene of crimes team came for which I paid.
The burgler was captured on an unrelated offence for which I paid.
He spent several months on remand in a nice cell with three meals a day and a colour tv for which I paid.
He was taken to court for which I paid
He had no income so asked for legal aid for which I paid.
The CPS managed to secure a conviction, for which I paid.
In exchange for a lighter sentence he was put on a rehab course for which I paid.
He is now staying in jail with hs colour tv, three meals a day, gym etc for a few more months, for which I'll pay.
When he gets out the most likely outcome is that the whole cycle will repeat itself, for which, we will all (one way or another) pay.
I just got through my house insurance renewal, with monotonus predictability my premium has risen sharply, and you dont need me to tell you the outcome of that.
In this whole scenario three types pf people made money. The drug grower/importer. THe street dealer, the addict (selling my stuff and smashing open my three year olds rupert bear piggy bank which was just too classy for words). Throughout the scenario one type of person got to pay for everything, me the taxpayer. This situation is desperately unfair and just goes on while the war against drugs has saldy and most clearly been lost, how long can we be expected to pay?
Why is this idea important?
I would like to see the abolition of laws relating to the criminalisation of recreational drugs, which in my opinion no longer serve any purpose other than to line the pockets of legal proffessionals and drug lords.
In order to explain my idea I will use my own real life example.
My house was burgled, the police came for which I paid.
The scene of crimes team came for which I paid.
The burgler was captured on an unrelated offence for which I paid.
He spent several months on remand in a nice cell with three meals a day and a colour tv for which I paid.
He was taken to court for which I paid
He had no income so asked for legal aid for which I paid.
The CPS managed to secure a conviction, for which I paid.
In exchange for a lighter sentence he was put on a rehab course for which I paid.
He is now staying in jail with hs colour tv, three meals a day, gym etc for a few more months, for which I'll pay.
When he gets out the most likely outcome is that the whole cycle will repeat itself, for which, we will all (one way or another) pay.
I just got through my house insurance renewal, with monotonus predictability my premium has risen sharply, and you dont need me to tell you the outcome of that.
In this whole scenario three types pf people made money. The drug grower/importer. THe street dealer, the addict (selling my stuff and smashing open my three year olds rupert bear piggy bank which was just too classy for words). Throughout the scenario one type of person got to pay for everything, me the taxpayer. This situation is desperately unfair and just goes on while the war against drugs has saldy and most clearly been lost, how long can we be expected to pay?
The idea is that cannabis should be legalised [or decriminalised], thoroughly regulated and taxed.
Youth and young adults always have and always will use mind altering substances recreationally. This we cannot avoid. But with the growing sophistication of the research chemical industry [synthesised drugs sold as plant feeder or similar] a greater danger is exposed to our nation's youth.
These research chemicals are uncontrolled, unregulated and dangerous. Often containing deadly contaminants. Cannabis however, has been used for centuries and so far has no decumented deaths from sole cannabis use. [excluding the use when mixed with tobacco]
The problem comes with law abiding citizens who want to use mind altering substances recreationally and legally. This turns them to the more nasty and dangerous chemicals to keep on the right side of the law. This is not protecting them. It is harming them.
More and more countries are now decriminalising cannabis for personal use and with great affect. Portugal, Mexico and California [prop 19] are a few to name.
Why is this idea important?
The idea is that cannabis should be legalised [or decriminalised], thoroughly regulated and taxed.
Youth and young adults always have and always will use mind altering substances recreationally. This we cannot avoid. But with the growing sophistication of the research chemical industry [synthesised drugs sold as plant feeder or similar] a greater danger is exposed to our nation's youth.
These research chemicals are uncontrolled, unregulated and dangerous. Often containing deadly contaminants. Cannabis however, has been used for centuries and so far has no decumented deaths from sole cannabis use. [excluding the use when mixed with tobacco]
The problem comes with law abiding citizens who want to use mind altering substances recreationally and legally. This turns them to the more nasty and dangerous chemicals to keep on the right side of the law. This is not protecting them. It is harming them.
More and more countries are now decriminalising cannabis for personal use and with great affect. Portugal, Mexico and California [prop 19] are a few to name.
If i am caught with cannabis by the police, how can i be charged for being in possesion of a controlled substance when cannabis is clearly not controlled?
I suggest that anyone from now on whom is arrested – that when the police advise you you have been arrested for being in possesion of a controlled substance – that you point out to the police that it is not the case, as cannabis is not a controlled substance but rather an uncontrolled substance.
Alcohol is a controlled substance and so is tobbaco as they are only available to persons of age and are controlled by strick guidlines – no selling alcohol or tobbaco to minors
Why is this idea important?
If i am caught with cannabis by the police, how can i be charged for being in possesion of a controlled substance when cannabis is clearly not controlled?
I suggest that anyone from now on whom is arrested – that when the police advise you you have been arrested for being in possesion of a controlled substance – that you point out to the police that it is not the case, as cannabis is not a controlled substance but rather an uncontrolled substance.
Alcohol is a controlled substance and so is tobbaco as they are only available to persons of age and are controlled by strick guidlines – no selling alcohol or tobbaco to minors
If i am caught with cannabis by the police, how can i be charged for being in possesion of a controlled substance when cannabis is clearly not controlled?
I suggest that anyone from now on whom is arrested – that when the police advise you you have been arrested for being in possesion of a controlled substance – that you point out to the police that it is not the case, as cannabis is not a controlled substance but rather an uncontrolled substance.
Alcohol is a controlled substance and so is tobbaco as they are only available to persons of age and are controlled by strick guidlines – no selling alcohol or tobbaco to minors
Why is this idea important?
If i am caught with cannabis by the police, how can i be charged for being in possesion of a controlled substance when cannabis is clearly not controlled?
I suggest that anyone from now on whom is arrested – that when the police advise you you have been arrested for being in possesion of a controlled substance – that you point out to the police that it is not the case, as cannabis is not a controlled substance but rather an uncontrolled substance.
Alcohol is a controlled substance and so is tobbaco as they are only available to persons of age and are controlled by strick guidlines – no selling alcohol or tobbaco to minors
put the use of cannabis to public vote.mr cameron you have tried it and now your pm.what harm has it done you..there is no control over it but there could be…..
,
Why is this idea important?
put the use of cannabis to public vote.mr cameron you have tried it and now your pm.what harm has it done you..there is no control over it but there could be…..
,
Hello, I am autistic. In real terms, day to day, this means that I am an annoying character. It is difficult to hold down a job because I am so rude and annoying. This rudeness is like a tick, similar to the uncontrolled swearing which is popluarised by tourettes people.
When I use cannabis, this problem goes aways and I am able to lead a normal productive life.
However, being autistic and poor, it is nearly impossible to maintain a decent supply.
Don't bother telling yourself that I am insane and that I don't know which medicines to take. Walk 38 years in my shoes if you want an opinion on my health, fitness, food and medical needs. If you don't believe me, google it. We are rude, but we are not liars.
We consider the restriction of our supply of medicine to be a hostile act towards us, peace-loving people who want nothing more than to be free to express our peaceful sides, whatever it takes.
We fear that that you wish to harm us with your laws. Therefore, all who support the criminalisation of Cannabis are Terrorists who are aiming their terror campaign at some of the most vulnerable members of your society.
While we are at it, the surest way to create terrorists is to restrict food and medicine supplies in someone else's county. Isn't that obvious?
Sorry to be so rude. Please hurry up with the medical research, don't let the cost put you off.
Draconian Drug laws are fuelling theft, murder, suicide and paranoia throughout the world. Please consider legalising all Drugs, or at least allow individual countries to decide for themselves.
Why is this idea important?
Hello, I am autistic. In real terms, day to day, this means that I am an annoying character. It is difficult to hold down a job because I am so rude and annoying. This rudeness is like a tick, similar to the uncontrolled swearing which is popluarised by tourettes people.
When I use cannabis, this problem goes aways and I am able to lead a normal productive life.
However, being autistic and poor, it is nearly impossible to maintain a decent supply.
Don't bother telling yourself that I am insane and that I don't know which medicines to take. Walk 38 years in my shoes if you want an opinion on my health, fitness, food and medical needs. If you don't believe me, google it. We are rude, but we are not liars.
We consider the restriction of our supply of medicine to be a hostile act towards us, peace-loving people who want nothing more than to be free to express our peaceful sides, whatever it takes.
We fear that that you wish to harm us with your laws. Therefore, all who support the criminalisation of Cannabis are Terrorists who are aiming their terror campaign at some of the most vulnerable members of your society.
While we are at it, the surest way to create terrorists is to restrict food and medicine supplies in someone else's county. Isn't that obvious?
Sorry to be so rude. Please hurry up with the medical research, don't let the cost put you off.
Draconian Drug laws are fuelling theft, murder, suicide and paranoia throughout the world. Please consider legalising all Drugs, or at least allow individual countries to decide for themselves.
Some people like myself who can not take alcohol in a responsible manner take cannabis.
I work full time and pay my taxes and have not had a day off with illness for many years.
I hate having to hand over my money to fund criminal activity just so i can have a joint to relax and stop the pain of a dislocating shoulder and bad back.
My idea, like most, is to decriminalise cannabis but I have a solution on how to supply the market and solve the problem of the poppy farmers in Afghanistan. The farmers could grow the cannabis, the UK could buy it to supply the cannabis shops in England hence creating alot of jobs in the UK. People like myself would know our money was going back into the UK economy and would help the Afghan farmers (& their government) with a sustainable crop.
An age limit could be applied, the illegal market for cannabis would dry up and we would be able to smoke some nice black which would also stop alot of the very potent " skunk " strains from causing people problems.
Why is this idea important?
Some people like myself who can not take alcohol in a responsible manner take cannabis.
I work full time and pay my taxes and have not had a day off with illness for many years.
I hate having to hand over my money to fund criminal activity just so i can have a joint to relax and stop the pain of a dislocating shoulder and bad back.
My idea, like most, is to decriminalise cannabis but I have a solution on how to supply the market and solve the problem of the poppy farmers in Afghanistan. The farmers could grow the cannabis, the UK could buy it to supply the cannabis shops in England hence creating alot of jobs in the UK. People like myself would know our money was going back into the UK economy and would help the Afghan farmers (& their government) with a sustainable crop.
An age limit could be applied, the illegal market for cannabis would dry up and we would be able to smoke some nice black which would also stop alot of the very potent " skunk " strains from causing people problems.
I believe not all drugs, even the harmful ones should be legalised. Why? Because while something is illegal there is NO regulation of it. Which is why it is so harmful to users and so profitable to sellers.
Legalisation does not have to mean encourage the use of drugs. It can mean make it a medical problem, rather then a legal one, when the only person an addict harms through their drug use is themselves. All drug related crime, be it addicts stealing for a fix or gang related crime, all come from the legal status of drugs. If there was legal, safe, regulated access to drugs, then the only problem remaining is treating the addicts. Which would be far cheaper for the tax payer then funding a hopeless drug war. Especially considering the potential money there is to be made from taxing the mostly harmless drugs such as cannabis.
The final point I have to make is that it is very foolish to keeps drugs illegal when after years of fighting to end drug use it has only inreased. It is impossible to stop people using drugs. Even in places such as China where drug users are executed, there are still plenty who use them anyway.
So please, lets change our drug policy from one based on racism and propaganda to one based on scientific evidence. Before too much damage is done.
Why is this idea important?
I believe not all drugs, even the harmful ones should be legalised. Why? Because while something is illegal there is NO regulation of it. Which is why it is so harmful to users and so profitable to sellers.
Legalisation does not have to mean encourage the use of drugs. It can mean make it a medical problem, rather then a legal one, when the only person an addict harms through their drug use is themselves. All drug related crime, be it addicts stealing for a fix or gang related crime, all come from the legal status of drugs. If there was legal, safe, regulated access to drugs, then the only problem remaining is treating the addicts. Which would be far cheaper for the tax payer then funding a hopeless drug war. Especially considering the potential money there is to be made from taxing the mostly harmless drugs such as cannabis.
The final point I have to make is that it is very foolish to keeps drugs illegal when after years of fighting to end drug use it has only inreased. It is impossible to stop people using drugs. Even in places such as China where drug users are executed, there are still plenty who use them anyway.
So please, lets change our drug policy from one based on racism and propaganda to one based on scientific evidence. Before too much damage is done.
Legalise Psilocybin Mushrooms
Why is this idea important?
Legalise Psilocybin Mushrooms
Every party should not be allowed to recieve donations over £100 per person and the government should pay the rest of the money required for the campaign, but set a reasonable cap on the amount of money they spend.
Why is this idea important?
Every party should not be allowed to recieve donations over £100 per person and the government should pay the rest of the money required for the campaign, but set a reasonable cap on the amount of money they spend.
so on the 26 of Jan 2009 Gordon browns government re graded cannabis to a class B drug to send out a message , the message went out and the criminal gangs flocked , they had heard there was big money to be made in the uk again under the unregulated sales of cannabis . most of the former ACMD members warned against this but were ignored , Allen johnson said " a line was drawn , advisers advise and politicians have the final say ", the coalition government are following the same anti science based approach of biased prohibition at stretched costs with no justification of its destructive self serving use
for example on the 26 of Jan 2009 brown s government ignored the science and evidence at the publics cost , from Jan 2009 UK cannabis production doubled , this can be seen in this link : http://www.acpo.police.uk/asp/policies/Data/064a%20UK%20National%20Problem%20Profile%20Cultivation%20of%20Cannabis.pdf
its an ACPO report that claims large scale cannabis production is a growing problem , its own scientific graph clearly shows a spike in cannabis production from Jan 2009 to meet demand ,just what the former advisers warned against ,
this is more clear evidence that prohibition is counter productive at setting out to do what it claims it will , its implemented with the notion it will reduce all drug related harms but in fact it increases all public harm and costs and like a paradox its own created harms are used to justify and implement more of itself , more prohibition , good unbiased random controlled scientific evidence proves prohibition will never work in a democracy , we also have evidence of this from 1920 America
my idea is to look for a scientific proven way to do everything prohibition claims it will do at reducing overall drug related crime and harms for a fraction of the cost and time while restoring public trust and respect without funding major crime nor making the poor into criminals through the temptation of easy money and the threat of rough living!
Why is this idea important?
so on the 26 of Jan 2009 Gordon browns government re graded cannabis to a class B drug to send out a message , the message went out and the criminal gangs flocked , they had heard there was big money to be made in the uk again under the unregulated sales of cannabis . most of the former ACMD members warned against this but were ignored , Allen johnson said " a line was drawn , advisers advise and politicians have the final say ", the coalition government are following the same anti science based approach of biased prohibition at stretched costs with no justification of its destructive self serving use
for example on the 26 of Jan 2009 brown s government ignored the science and evidence at the publics cost , from Jan 2009 UK cannabis production doubled , this can be seen in this link : http://www.acpo.police.uk/asp/policies/Data/064a%20UK%20National%20Problem%20Profile%20Cultivation%20of%20Cannabis.pdf
its an ACPO report that claims large scale cannabis production is a growing problem , its own scientific graph clearly shows a spike in cannabis production from Jan 2009 to meet demand ,just what the former advisers warned against ,
this is more clear evidence that prohibition is counter productive at setting out to do what it claims it will , its implemented with the notion it will reduce all drug related harms but in fact it increases all public harm and costs and like a paradox its own created harms are used to justify and implement more of itself , more prohibition , good unbiased random controlled scientific evidence proves prohibition will never work in a democracy , we also have evidence of this from 1920 America
my idea is to look for a scientific proven way to do everything prohibition claims it will do at reducing overall drug related crime and harms for a fraction of the cost and time while restoring public trust and respect without funding major crime nor making the poor into criminals through the temptation of easy money and the threat of rough living!
Alcohol, and tobacco, are both currently legal high type drugs, and are both scientifically proven to be not only dangerous to health, but are also highly addictive drug.
The legal authority to sell these drugs needs to be removed, and they need to be added to the list of drugs covered by the new emergency drug control 'Temporary 1 year ban whilst it is investigated' legislation.
Why is this idea important?
Alcohol, and tobacco, are both currently legal high type drugs, and are both scientifically proven to be not only dangerous to health, but are also highly addictive drug.
The legal authority to sell these drugs needs to be removed, and they need to be added to the list of drugs covered by the new emergency drug control 'Temporary 1 year ban whilst it is investigated' legislation.
I believe in a fair society so as recreational drugs are banned I believe it should be extended to all drugs . I believe there should be a prison term for the peddlers of booze (including the Houses of Commons )and tobacco use should attract a minimum of 10years in prison and 40 lashes ,lets have a bit of fairness
Why is this idea important?
I believe in a fair society so as recreational drugs are banned I believe it should be extended to all drugs . I believe there should be a prison term for the peddlers of booze (including the Houses of Commons )and tobacco use should attract a minimum of 10years in prison and 40 lashes ,lets have a bit of fairness
The issue of cannabis legislation is a tricky one. I believe cannabis should be decriminalised and regulated like alcohol and tobacco.
Given the global shift in attitudes towards cannabis – How does Britain respond?
If we look at current international attiudes with fellow countries from the developed western world…
The United States has Medical marijuana in 13 states, California is currently debating the legalisation of cannabis for recreational purposes
The dutch have arguably the most cannabis friendly attitude in europe,
Recent changes in both spainish and portugese drugs policy with the decriminalisation of cannabis – with portugal decriminalising all drugs.
Canada has had a fairly relaxed attitude towards cannabis Superior and appellate courts in Ontario have repeatedly declared Canada's marijuana laws to be of no force and effect.The cultivation of cannabis is currently illegal in Canada, with exceptions only for medical usage.
Medical marijuana will soon be available in Germany, with the centre-right coalition preparing to make ground-breaking changes to drug laws, a government health spokeswoman said this week.
The UK? Classification of Cannabis has become especially controversial. In 2004, Cannabis was reclassified from class B to class C, in accordance with advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). In 2009, it was returned to class B against ACMD advice. Surely our drugs policy be based upon science and fact? Not historical prejudices and misconceptions.
Cannabis is illegal to possess and/or cultivate under the 1971 Misuse of drugs act. That is unless you get a license to grow it from the home office… After detailed research i could only find evidence of one company ever recieving such a license.
On the 11th of June 1998, a UK-based company, GW Pharmaceuticals received a license from the Home Office in order to conduct research into the medicinal uses of cannabis. The company had noted the large amounts of evidence that cannabis has beneficial effects on a number of medical symptoms.
GW Pharmaceuticals then set out to conduct controlled clinical trials to evaluate these with a view to producing a final product to bring relief to thousands of sufferers to whom existing pharmacological treatments do not suffice. GW Pharmaceuticals thus became the only company in the UK licensed to provide raw cannabis materials for trials. Since then Sativex has been granted a UK license – this was granted in June of this year.
"My professional view of cannabis as a substance is that it appears to be a remarkably safe substance in comparison to most medicines prescribed today. The more I learn about this plant the more fascinated I become. It has through its various constituents multiple effects of therapeutic interest, many of which are now being validated by the enormous growth in basic cannabinoid research." – Dr Geoffrey Guy, Chairman of GW Pharmaceuticals.
There was an interesting interview on CNBC with Dr Guy and he confirmed that GW Pharmaceuticals are developing a whole range of products from the cannabis plant which will deal with Cancer pain, epilepsy, diabetes and inflammatory diseases. Their work with cancer patients in the US is already under way.They already have approval in canada for cannabis based medicines in advanced cancer patients – primarily pain relief.
So Cannabis the evil drug has serious potential as a medicine – this is one of the key things that seperate it from other drugs. Cannabis has real medical benefits.
Drug classification: making a hash of it? is the title of a report authored by the UK Science and Technology Select Committee and submitted to the British House of Commons. It was published in July 2006. The report suggested that the current system of recreational drug classification in the UK was arbitrary and unscientific and suggested a more scientific measure of harm be used for classifying drugs.
A quick look at the facts on alcohol…
Alcohol related deaths in the UK rose to 9,031 in 2008, up from 8,724 the previous year
– Branwen Jeffreys, Health Correspondent, BBC News
Drug related deaths in the UK rose to 1,952 in 2008, up from 1900 the previous year
-St George's University of London, Drug related deaths in the UK, Annual report 2009
So almost 5 times more people died from alcohol related deaths than drug related deaths in 2008 yet alcohol isn't covered under the misuse of drugs act. Number of cannabis related deaths out of the 1,952 drug related deaths… ZERO.
Alcohol features in almost 50% of violent crime, yet isn't covered under the misuse of drugs act – this is because we know that for the large part alcohol is consumed responsibly by the majority of people who choose to use it.
We should be able to do the same with cannabis (And cannabis has been proven to assist with a number of different medical conditions) Alcohol has no proven medical benefits – the only one i could find was the use of it as an anti septic or disinfectant.
So alcohol is involved in more deaths & violent crime than cannabis yet is regulated and controlled – And not by the misuse of drugs act!
In essence we need to re-examine our attitudes towards cannabis and its criminalisation. The issue at hand is multi-faceted and extremely complex, this should not however stop us from engaging with the issue
Cannabis needs to be decriminalised and the sooner the better
Why is this idea important?
The issue of cannabis legislation is a tricky one. I believe cannabis should be decriminalised and regulated like alcohol and tobacco.
Given the global shift in attitudes towards cannabis – How does Britain respond?
If we look at current international attiudes with fellow countries from the developed western world…
The United States has Medical marijuana in 13 states, California is currently debating the legalisation of cannabis for recreational purposes
The dutch have arguably the most cannabis friendly attitude in europe,
Recent changes in both spainish and portugese drugs policy with the decriminalisation of cannabis – with portugal decriminalising all drugs.
Canada has had a fairly relaxed attitude towards cannabis Superior and appellate courts in Ontario have repeatedly declared Canada's marijuana laws to be of no force and effect.The cultivation of cannabis is currently illegal in Canada, with exceptions only for medical usage.
Medical marijuana will soon be available in Germany, with the centre-right coalition preparing to make ground-breaking changes to drug laws, a government health spokeswoman said this week.
The UK? Classification of Cannabis has become especially controversial. In 2004, Cannabis was reclassified from class B to class C, in accordance with advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). In 2009, it was returned to class B against ACMD advice. Surely our drugs policy be based upon science and fact? Not historical prejudices and misconceptions.
Cannabis is illegal to possess and/or cultivate under the 1971 Misuse of drugs act. That is unless you get a license to grow it from the home office… After detailed research i could only find evidence of one company ever recieving such a license.
On the 11th of June 1998, a UK-based company, GW Pharmaceuticals received a license from the Home Office in order to conduct research into the medicinal uses of cannabis. The company had noted the large amounts of evidence that cannabis has beneficial effects on a number of medical symptoms.
GW Pharmaceuticals then set out to conduct controlled clinical trials to evaluate these with a view to producing a final product to bring relief to thousands of sufferers to whom existing pharmacological treatments do not suffice. GW Pharmaceuticals thus became the only company in the UK licensed to provide raw cannabis materials for trials. Since then Sativex has been granted a UK license – this was granted in June of this year.
"My professional view of cannabis as a substance is that it appears to be a remarkably safe substance in comparison to most medicines prescribed today. The more I learn about this plant the more fascinated I become. It has through its various constituents multiple effects of therapeutic interest, many of which are now being validated by the enormous growth in basic cannabinoid research." – Dr Geoffrey Guy, Chairman of GW Pharmaceuticals.
There was an interesting interview on CNBC with Dr Guy and he confirmed that GW Pharmaceuticals are developing a whole range of products from the cannabis plant which will deal with Cancer pain, epilepsy, diabetes and inflammatory diseases. Their work with cancer patients in the US is already under way.They already have approval in canada for cannabis based medicines in advanced cancer patients – primarily pain relief.
So Cannabis the evil drug has serious potential as a medicine – this is one of the key things that seperate it from other drugs. Cannabis has real medical benefits.
Drug classification: making a hash of it? is the title of a report authored by the UK Science and Technology Select Committee and submitted to the British House of Commons. It was published in July 2006. The report suggested that the current system of recreational drug classification in the UK was arbitrary and unscientific and suggested a more scientific measure of harm be used for classifying drugs.
A quick look at the facts on alcohol…
Alcohol related deaths in the UK rose to 9,031 in 2008, up from 8,724 the previous year
– Branwen Jeffreys, Health Correspondent, BBC News
Drug related deaths in the UK rose to 1,952 in 2008, up from 1900 the previous year
-St George's University of London, Drug related deaths in the UK, Annual report 2009
So almost 5 times more people died from alcohol related deaths than drug related deaths in 2008 yet alcohol isn't covered under the misuse of drugs act. Number of cannabis related deaths out of the 1,952 drug related deaths… ZERO.
Alcohol features in almost 50% of violent crime, yet isn't covered under the misuse of drugs act – this is because we know that for the large part alcohol is consumed responsibly by the majority of people who choose to use it.
We should be able to do the same with cannabis (And cannabis has been proven to assist with a number of different medical conditions) Alcohol has no proven medical benefits – the only one i could find was the use of it as an anti septic or disinfectant.
So alcohol is involved in more deaths & violent crime than cannabis yet is regulated and controlled – And not by the misuse of drugs act!
In essence we need to re-examine our attitudes towards cannabis and its criminalisation. The issue at hand is multi-faceted and extremely complex, this should not however stop us from engaging with the issue
Cannabis needs to be decriminalised and the sooner the better
The home office have a consultation paper on drug strategy. Heres your chance to be heard.
Thanks to another user on another forum (Don)
the more people that fill it out and show our support for the decriminalisation of cannabis the better.
TODAY'S reporting on governments intention to provisionally classify some substances (LEGAL HIGHS) under the Misuse of Drugs Act while the Advisory Committee [ACMD] investigate any alleged risks associated with such substances has been on the agenda for some time.
The real story is here ……Paraphrased from the Home Office Website
2010 Drug strategy consultation paper
• Reference number: 2010 Drug strategy consultation paper
• Issued: 20 Aug 2010
• Opening date: 20 Aug 2010
• Closing date: 30 Sep 2010
The government plans to publish a new drug strategy later this year. This targeted consultation provides an early opportunity for a wide range of partners to contribute to the development of the new strategy.
Consultation information
• Intended audience: This consultation is aimed at a wide audience, from charities to enforcement partners, drug workers, voluntary and community sector organisations. Responses from members of the public are also welcome.
Questions are asked around four key themes led by the following government departments:
• Department for Education: preventing drug use
• Home Office and Ministry of Justice: strengthening enforcement, criminal justice and legal framework
• Department of Health: rebalancing treatment to support drug-free outcomes
• Department for Work and Pensions: supporting recovery to break the cycle of drug addiction
You can respond by filling in the online form. Or if you prefer, you can read the full consultation document below and respond via email or post.
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publica…strategy-2010/
So spread the word.
Why is this idea important?
The home office have a consultation paper on drug strategy. Heres your chance to be heard.
Thanks to another user on another forum (Don)
the more people that fill it out and show our support for the decriminalisation of cannabis the better.
TODAY'S reporting on governments intention to provisionally classify some substances (LEGAL HIGHS) under the Misuse of Drugs Act while the Advisory Committee [ACMD] investigate any alleged risks associated with such substances has been on the agenda for some time.
The real story is here ……Paraphrased from the Home Office Website
2010 Drug strategy consultation paper
• Reference number: 2010 Drug strategy consultation paper
• Issued: 20 Aug 2010
• Opening date: 20 Aug 2010
• Closing date: 30 Sep 2010
The government plans to publish a new drug strategy later this year. This targeted consultation provides an early opportunity for a wide range of partners to contribute to the development of the new strategy.
Consultation information
• Intended audience: This consultation is aimed at a wide audience, from charities to enforcement partners, drug workers, voluntary and community sector organisations. Responses from members of the public are also welcome.
Questions are asked around four key themes led by the following government departments:
• Department for Education: preventing drug use
• Home Office and Ministry of Justice: strengthening enforcement, criminal justice and legal framework
• Department of Health: rebalancing treatment to support drug-free outcomes
• Department for Work and Pensions: supporting recovery to break the cycle of drug addiction
You can respond by filling in the online form. Or if you prefer, you can read the full consultation document below and respond via email or post.
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publica…strategy-2010/
So spread the word.
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/consultations/cons-drug-strategy-2010/drugs-consultation?view=Binary
unfortunatly what have been said in here has not been taken into consideration.
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/consultations/cons-drug-strategy-2010/
Why is this idea important?
Whether something is branded illegal or legal has no effect on supply and demand nor any effect on whether people choose to take it. Drugs as harmless as cannabis are branded illegal for some reason, this to me shows that politicians know little about the drug and therefore why would I listen to their opinions on other drugs? Look at methadrone, before the media went crazy and hyped up the british public (which isn’t hard to do, most people will believe anything their precious daily mail says) I hadn’t even heard of it and minimal people were using it but as soon as the papers gave people the idea to use it low and behold everyone’s on it, the pub across the road from where I live is full of people ‘dronin’ off their face, before the methadrone ban it was full of people consuming alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. This is just one example of many how the ban hammer doesn’t work. You can’t wave a magic wand and it all goes away. The biggest risk for a heroin user is drug dealers, dirty needles and contaminated heroin not the substance itself. The same goes for most drugs branded illegal, the biggest risk for the consumer is the black market. More harm than good amounts from prohibition. Anyone who wishes to use any illegal drug can do so, prohibition doesn’t halt them in the slightest. There is nothing wrong with taking drugs every single one of has done so at one point or another whether it be alcohol, paracetamol, or crack cocaine. I can assure everyone on the planet people are not going to stop taking them and why should they? as long as not one other person is negatively effected by it. Its very simple either the government or respectable businesses regulate drugs or criminals will, it is a case of one or the other. These are the only two options when dealing with drugs. Drugs are THE most profitable business in the world, fact and criminals are reaping the benefits every hour of every day until this government decides to take the business out of their hands. Wouldn’t it be better for society if all addicts were registered and monitored as oppose to being left to their own devices funding the black market? Finally, who has the right to tell anyone else what they can do with their own body?
Why is this idea important?
Whether something is branded illegal or legal has no effect on supply and demand nor any effect on whether people choose to take it. Drugs as harmless as cannabis are branded illegal for some reason, this to me shows that politicians know little about the drug and therefore why would I listen to their opinions on other drugs? Look at methadrone, before the media went crazy and hyped up the british public (which isn’t hard to do, most people will believe anything their precious daily mail says) I hadn’t even heard of it and minimal people were using it but as soon as the papers gave people the idea to use it low and behold everyone’s on it, the pub across the road from where I live is full of people ‘dronin’ off their face, before the methadrone ban it was full of people consuming alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. This is just one example of many how the ban hammer doesn’t work. You can’t wave a magic wand and it all goes away. The biggest risk for a heroin user is drug dealers, dirty needles and contaminated heroin not the substance itself. The same goes for most drugs branded illegal, the biggest risk for the consumer is the black market. More harm than good amounts from prohibition. Anyone who wishes to use any illegal drug can do so, prohibition doesn’t halt them in the slightest. There is nothing wrong with taking drugs every single one of has done so at one point or another whether it be alcohol, paracetamol, or crack cocaine. I can assure everyone on the planet people are not going to stop taking them and why should they? as long as not one other person is negatively effected by it. Its very simple either the government or respectable businesses regulate drugs or criminals will, it is a case of one or the other. These are the only two options when dealing with drugs. Drugs are THE most profitable business in the world, fact and criminals are reaping the benefits every hour of every day until this government decides to take the business out of their hands. Wouldn’t it be better for society if all addicts were registered and monitored as oppose to being left to their own devices funding the black market? Finally, who has the right to tell anyone else what they can do with their own body?
Scrap the current drug possession laws and create a new one "Drug Dealing"
I know the government is supposed to be hard on drugs – but criminalising the end-user is morally wrong.
I have no issue with the police enforcing the law on dealers and commercial growers but….
If someone has a few grams of drugs for personal use and they are over 18 it should be OK. If they are under 18 then it should be confiscated and the matter reported to that person's guardian to deal with.
If someone has one or two cannabis plants growning in their garden or house then so long as they are not dealing then that should be OK too.
Criminalising someone in this way will just make it worse, if you treat someone like a criminal – they will behave like one.
Criminalising someone will ruin their employment chances and in the current economic climate we should be doing everything we can to facilitate people gaining or retaining jobs.
Criminalising someone costs a lot of money and police time, this would be better spent targeting the dealers, criminals & thugs that make our streets unsafe.
Repeat criminalisation for possession can lead to inprisonment – at this point you might as well have sent the user on a "how to be a real criminal" course as they will learn all the tricks inside.
So change the exsisting law so it specifically applies to commercial dealing and commercial growing and leave the end-user and "percy" grower alone.
This will remove 6.000.000 people from potential contact with the criminal justice system.
Why is this idea important?
Scrap the current drug possession laws and create a new one "Drug Dealing"
I know the government is supposed to be hard on drugs – but criminalising the end-user is morally wrong.
I have no issue with the police enforcing the law on dealers and commercial growers but….
If someone has a few grams of drugs for personal use and they are over 18 it should be OK. If they are under 18 then it should be confiscated and the matter reported to that person's guardian to deal with.
If someone has one or two cannabis plants growning in their garden or house then so long as they are not dealing then that should be OK too.
Criminalising someone in this way will just make it worse, if you treat someone like a criminal – they will behave like one.
Criminalising someone will ruin their employment chances and in the current economic climate we should be doing everything we can to facilitate people gaining or retaining jobs.
Criminalising someone costs a lot of money and police time, this would be better spent targeting the dealers, criminals & thugs that make our streets unsafe.
Repeat criminalisation for possession can lead to inprisonment – at this point you might as well have sent the user on a "how to be a real criminal" course as they will learn all the tricks inside.
So change the exsisting law so it specifically applies to commercial dealing and commercial growing and leave the end-user and "percy" grower alone.
This will remove 6.000.000 people from potential contact with the criminal justice system.
Legalise cannabis and have a system similar to that of Holland.
Why is this idea important?
Legalise cannabis and have a system similar to that of Holland.