Pubdate: Mon, 15 Jul 2002
Source: Daily Mail (UK)
Copyright: 2002 Associated Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/108
Author: Peter Hayes

DOPEY LOGIC

Downgrading cannabis will attract users from other countries with a sterner 
approach to drugs just as Lambeth has attracted users from all over the UK 
during its 'experiment' with non-prosecution for possession.

The Government's approach to drugs has been ambivalent.  Hosting parties at 
No. 10 for 'celebrities' who are believed to have smoked, sniffed or 
injected their way to stardom doesn't give the right message to parents of 
vulnerable teenagers.

Putting Mo Mowlam in charge of the anti-drugs policy was a bad joke when 
she favoured decriminalisation.  Drugs 'Tsar' Keith Hellawell was 
undermined from the outset because he was a policeman who didn't smoke or 
drink and had never tried drugs.  The Government just isn't serious about 
the problem.  Most effort must go into stopping youngsters taking the stuff 
in the first place. This means better policing of clubs and discos.

Peter Hayes, former chair of a drugs charity, Siddington, Cheshire
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