“Andy, Alcohol also causes mental health problems for those that misuse it. The same is to be said of Cannabis. Particularly for those under 21 whos' brains and neuropathways are still developing.

For the majority of cannabis users, as with alcohol, who use it in a respnsible manner, will suffer no ill effects what so ever, except maybe an expanding waistline from munchies.

What ever the substance, legal or illegal misuse will lead to health problems both physically and mentally.

Prohibition puts the power and money into the hands of criminals, and exposes children to drugs. Regulation would end this. It would also shut the alledged gateway that cannabis is supposed to open to other drugs. THis is a result of prohibition as the same person selling hash/ skunk is selling the other drugs, and as their criminals, dont care who they sell what too.

Regulation = control, taxation potentially into the billions per year, investment in education, treatment for those on harder drugs (like alcohol), savings from the billions spent every year fighting the global war on drugs.... need I go on.

Current prohibition is based on a moralistic decision.

Alcohol is more damaging yet is legal. Parity is what we want ban booze AND tobaco, or regulate other drugs on an equal footing.

it would not surprise me if readers on here are ignorant to the fact that in 1/4 (13 out of the 51 ish states of america) have legalised medical use, and california are verging on legalisation due to the fact it is under reported in the UK as it does not fit with our Governments moral view.”

“Legalising cannabis would mean regulation , the same as alcohol . We recognise that alcohol can cause serious problems for a few people but that doesn't mean we make it illegal and give control of it to criminal gangs .
Treat problems with cannabis as health problems . Prohibition causes more problems not less .”

“Hi Andy - I guess its different strokes for different folks.
My great-aunt used it for her MS and it worked a treat. I have several friends who are now dead due to alcohol abuse. We've gone over this ground countless times but on a serious note it must have the same legal status as alcohol. Either both illegal or both legal. There needs to be consistency.”

“Interesting comment from ST.
Within the last week I have met two men whose life was ruined by cannibis addiction.
One of the men suffers from mental health disorders and has on two ocassions attempted suicide.
The second man lost his job, lost his partner and two children, all because he was spending money on cannibis instead of more important items (ie his children) and spent every noght "monged out".
I need someone to convince me how legalising this drug will help men like these?”

“Please dont "grass" up your neighbours, they are helping the environment.
Legalise it, dont criticise it.”