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 - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel