Niall Warry

Because it will be far less painful if we leave of our accord before we crash out when it collapses.

Mark Croucher

I only said maybe

I don't know what the answer is.... My objection to legalisation is largely based on the experience of Switzerland, Sweden and the Netherlands, where drug addiction soared. That said, there is an argument that it soared simply because they attracted users from elsewhere.

The other problem is that 20 years ago, 'drugs' were marijuana or cannabis resin... nowadays 'drugs' are cocaine and crack cocaine. For those who don't know, the former is non-addictive and Class 'B', the latter (particularly the latter latter!) is highly addictive and Class 'A'. The limit on intake for most of the kids I came across who used coke was not its illegality, nor even its availability, it was its cost. If it is legalised and costs what it does now, you haven't achieved anything. If it costs less, you remove or lower the limit on intake for existing casual users, and possibly attract more. If it costs more, what would be the point?

The other point is that there is a hypocrisy to the argument - I've smoked marijuana - I lived in Amsterdam lol - and yet I am not necessarily in favour of legalisation. I suspect far more people than are prepared to admit it have done so, even on this list.

M

SponPlague

A few years ago now, I was UKIP general election candidate in Guildford.

All candidates were at a Uni. of Surrey student meet. Cannabis came up; I was to speak last.

Dim-Lib candidate (now Baroness Sharp) said let's have a Royal Commisison. Sighs of relief, all backed her.

I pointed out that many docs grow it for their patients, or have lists of dealers, because official MS treatments have bad side effects etc. Let's get clinical trial on active subcomponents for MS etc. patients going then worry about Royal Commisions. Doctors can prescribe heroin if they belive in patient's best interest - why not cannabis too?

Students loved it! (and they have votes...) Let's not worry about what other parties think, but have a sensible policy, irregardless of political correctness, etc.
Candidates should not be afraid to break whip (except on EU membership) - people see independent thinkers as a plus, not a hindrance...