Pubdate: Mon, 28 Apr 2003
Source: Evening News (UK)
Copyright: 2003 Archant Regional
Contact:  http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/141
Author: Jeremy Crisp

THE CASES FOR AND AGAINST LEGALISING CANNABIS (2 OF 2)

I AGREE with the many valid points made by Elizabeth Clark in her recent 
letter of support for cannabis cafes (Evening News, April 23).

Cananbis is simply a particular variety of the hemp plant containing a 
substance which exerts a psychoactive effect on the mind - but then, so 
does caffeine.

However, it is now a known fact that within the human brain the receptors 
specifically designed to welcome and appreciate that chemical commonly 
known as THC.  Why should this be, other than as part of the original human 
design?

As a plant, hemp is incredibly versatile.  There's a myriad of ways 
humanity could gain through its reintegration into agriculture.

Many of the products we currently get from oil can also be produced from 
the hemp plant, including a form of petrol, as well as paints, plastics, 
lubricants and fuels.

Hemp is a fast-growing plant which would flourish in many of the currently 
impoverished or environmentally damaged areas of the world, as well as in 
the UK.

For about 80 years now, we have been denying ourselves the benefits of this 
previously essential plant, although it was widely grown by both sides in 
the Second World War for a variety of uses.  As far as I am concerned, the 
resurgence of hemp farming globally is the only way this planet is ever 
going to sort itself out.

Hemp / cannabis has more in common with rosemary than with paracetamol, and 
I feel it should not be part of the "war against drugs."

A legal redefinition of cannabis as a herb rather than a drug might serve 
to remove the stigma of illegality at a stroke, allowing humanity to 
progress from its current dependency on finite and fast-diminishing natural 
resources of crude oil - and consequent conflicts of national interest.

Jeremy Crisp

St Benedicts

Norwich
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