This is not mine, I did not write it, but I will certainly be writing to this committee offering those who are clearly short, a substantial piece of my mind.
The government was kind enough to send all 200 000 plus signies of the big petition a woefully inadequate & dismal response, quoting the latest ACMD advice on cannabis, from 2008! Assholes!
So I cut their fucking email to shreds & mailed to Tania Mathias, my local tory MP!
"The Government has responded to the petition you signed – “Make the production, sale and use of cannabis legal.”.
Government responded:
GOV - Substantial scientific evidence shows cannabis is a harmful drug that can damage human health. There are no plans to legalise cannabis as it would not address the harm to individuals and communities.""
ME - The governments evidence is outdated & invalid. Substantive scientific evidence now suggests that in fact cannabis is a hugely beneficial medicine for numerous chronic health problems but does not cause any significant long-term harm to humans, even when smoked moderation. In a recent National Geographic issue an article on the work of Dr Manuel Guzman in Spain goes so far as to suggest cannabis may aid in the treatment of cancer by causing cancer cells to die when they are exposed to it. Dr Guzman infects mice with human brain tumours & cures them using cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, not synthetic cannabinoids. Even if cannabis is not the cure for cancer it certainly aids in many, many different illnesses & diseases & forcing people who are ill or dying to buy expensive cannabis from the black market is cruel & disgusting.
National Geographic - "it’s Guzmán’s brain tumor research that has captured headlines—and the interest of pharmaceutical companies. Through his years of research he has ascertained that a combination of THC, CBD, and temozolomide (a moderately successful conventional drug) works best in treating brain tumors in mice. A cocktail composed of these three compounds appears to attack brain cancer cells in multiple ways, preventing their spread but also triggering them, in effect, to commit suicide."
from - http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2015/06/marijuana/sides-text
GOV - The latest evidence from the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is that the use of cannabis is a significant public health issue (‘Cannabis Classification and Public Health’, 2008 ). Cannabis can unquestionably cause harm to individuals and society. Legalisation of cannabis would not eliminate the crime committed by the illicit trade, nor would it address the harms associated with drug dependence and the misery that this can cause to families.
ME - I claimed above that governments evidence is invalid & outdated. The "evidence" from the ACMD is nearly eight years old! See what I mean?
I have already addressed the harm issue above. Perhaps, seeing the government trots this flimsy argument out every time it gets the chance you would be kind enough to tell me how cannabis could possibly threaten public health to the same degree as do alcohol & tobacco, substances though which government derives huge revenue? To show concern about the insignificant harms of cannabis whilst reaping billions in tax from a trade in sickness, addiction & death smacks of insulting hypocrisy. A legal cannabis market is extremely unlikely to have any serious effect on "public health". Has the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use throughout Colorado caused a Colorado-wide health crisis? It has not.
A recent study showed that even asthmatics can smoke cannabis safely, that cannabis smoke in controlled amounts does not damage respiratory health & that the risks of mental health problems in young people who smoke cannabis is exaggerated.
Science Daily - Study Shows Cannabis Does NOT Cause Lung Cancer & Might Even PREVENT it!
from - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060526083353.htm
To suggest that legalising cannabis would not affect the black market in cannabis is so ridiculous that it barely deserves debate. I can't imagine who thought that made enough sense to write to 200 000 plus British people in an email! Patent rubbish. The uncontrolled trade in illegal alcohol must really trouble government given how much harm is caused & revenue lost to illegal brewers! I'm laughing into my lager here!
GOV - Legalisation would also send the wrong message to the vast majority of people who do not take drugs, especially young and vulnerable people, with the potential grave risk of increased misuse of drugs.
ME - If the harms caused by drugs are the reason for the classification system, then I would be more concerned about the message being sent by classifying cannabis alongside genuinely dangerous drugs such as heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine. Classifying a beneficial & relatively harmless herb like cannabis in amongst such dangerous & addictive substances like heroin & crack might give young people who try cannabis & find that it is perfectly safe & enjoyable the idea of trying much more dangerous substances. Keeping cannabis illegal also means that folk who buy it might find themselves buying it from someone who also sells more dangerous drugs & be tempted to try them.
Even the tired old rhetoric that cannabis caused mental illness in teens has been discredited.
Yahoo News - Teenage Cannabis Use Not Linked to Future Health Problems
from - http://news.yahoo.com/chronic-marijuana-teens-not-linked-later-health-issues-111412953.html
In countries where drugs use is more tolerated or decriminalised, it has been shown that less people use drugs & less people are harmed by them, per head of population. The governments own study last year proved that stronger legal penalties do not have a significant effect on the numbers of drugs users per head of population.
The Guardian - Punitive Drugs Law is Failing
from - http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/oct/30/punitive-drug-laws-are-failing-study
GOV - Despite the potential opportunity offered by legalisation to raise revenue through taxation, there would be costs in relation to administrative, compliance and law enforcement activities, as well as the wider costs of drug prevention and health services.
ME - Again, if I consider the revenue stream brought by legalisation of recreational cannabis in Colorado I am stunned to find the UK government suggesting, if indeed that's what they are suggesting, that somehow the establishment of a legal cannabis infrastructure or the treatment of those few people who do develop problems with cannabis might cost more than the revenue earned from a legal market. Absolute rubbish! Not only would a legal cannabis market pay for itself overnight, Police presently wasting time bothering weed smokers/grower would be freed overnight to tackle establishment paedophiles, people smugglers & burglars who are actually, really, genuinely causing harm to people & society! The laws against cannabis bring a ridiculously huge cost & drive incredible revenue into the hands of criminals. This argument is also frankly laughable.
Time - Colorado Tax Income Almost Doubles in One Year!
from - http://time.com/4003262/colorado-pot-revenue/
GOV - The UK's approach on drugs remains clear: we must prevent drug use in our communities; help dependent individuals through treatment and wider recovery support; while ensuring law enforcement protects society by stopping the supply and tackling the organised crime that is associated with the drugs trade. The Government will build on the Drugs Strategy by continuing to take a balanced and coherent approach to address the evolving challenges posed.
ME - Although this would be admirable if it were the case, the law in fact does little to disrupt cannabis importation, production & supply. This country is simply awash with cannabis & cannabis users. There is not a single day goes by when I do not smell cannabis in the street. I also smell mephedrone on the bus or train at least twice a week. So much for the mephedrone ban stamping out mephedrone. Cannabis was banned decades ago, & it's as widely available as ever. Keeping cannabis illegal will do nothing to combat organised crime & permits the acquisition of huge resources by criminals & possibly even terrorists.
Along with a number of other forces my own police in Surrey have recently announced that they will no longer bother those who smoke cannabis or grow small amounts. It won't be much good for the government if police forces refuse to uphold it's laws, will it?
The Telegraph - Police Forces Turn Blind Eye to Cannabis
from - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukn...they-will-turn-blind-eye-to-cannabis-use.html
GOV - There are positive signs that the Government’s approach is working: there has been a long term downward trend in drug use over the last decade, and more people are recovering from their dependency now than in 2009/10. The number of adults aged 16-59 using cannabis in the last year in England and Wales has declined over the last decade from 9.6% to 6.7%, with cannabis use amongst young adults aged 16-24 and young people aged 11-15 following a similar pattern.
This would be all very good if it wasn't for the fact that it ignores reports from last week in the media that suggest cannabis use & drugs use in general is on the rise amongst people aged over 45. Drugs use statistics cannot be relied upon to show any serious trend in the short term because they are affected by all sorts of socio-economic factors.
The Telegraph - Drug Use Rises in the Over 40s
from - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukn...gal-drug-use-rises-among-the-middle-aged.html
Thanks again, for you time!
Si
The government was kind enough to send all 200 000 plus signies of the big petition a woefully inadequate & dismal response, quoting the latest ACMD advice on cannabis, from 2008! Assholes!
So I cut their fucking email to shreds & mailed to Tania Mathias, my local tory MP!
"The Government has responded to the petition you signed – “Make the production, sale and use of cannabis legal.”.
Government responded:
GOV - Substantial scientific evidence shows cannabis is a harmful drug that can damage human health. There are no plans to legalise cannabis as it would not address the harm to individuals and communities.""
ME - The governments evidence is outdated & invalid. Substantive scientific evidence now suggests that in fact cannabis is a hugely beneficial medicine for numerous chronic health problems but does not cause any significant long-term harm to humans, even when smoked moderation. In a recent National Geographic issue an article on the work of Dr Manuel Guzman in Spain goes so far as to suggest cannabis may aid in the treatment of cancer by causing cancer cells to die when they are exposed to it. Dr Guzman infects mice with human brain tumours & cures them using cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, not synthetic cannabinoids. Even if cannabis is not the cure for cancer it certainly aids in many, many different illnesses & diseases & forcing people who are ill or dying to buy expensive cannabis from the black market is cruel & disgusting.
National Geographic - "it’s Guzmán’s brain tumor research that has captured headlines—and the interest of pharmaceutical companies. Through his years of research he has ascertained that a combination of THC, CBD, and temozolomide (a moderately successful conventional drug) works best in treating brain tumors in mice. A cocktail composed of these three compounds appears to attack brain cancer cells in multiple ways, preventing their spread but also triggering them, in effect, to commit suicide."
from - http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2015/06/marijuana/sides-text
GOV - The latest evidence from the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is that the use of cannabis is a significant public health issue (‘Cannabis Classification and Public Health’, 2008 ). Cannabis can unquestionably cause harm to individuals and society. Legalisation of cannabis would not eliminate the crime committed by the illicit trade, nor would it address the harms associated with drug dependence and the misery that this can cause to families.
ME - I claimed above that governments evidence is invalid & outdated. The "evidence" from the ACMD is nearly eight years old! See what I mean?
I have already addressed the harm issue above. Perhaps, seeing the government trots this flimsy argument out every time it gets the chance you would be kind enough to tell me how cannabis could possibly threaten public health to the same degree as do alcohol & tobacco, substances though which government derives huge revenue? To show concern about the insignificant harms of cannabis whilst reaping billions in tax from a trade in sickness, addiction & death smacks of insulting hypocrisy. A legal cannabis market is extremely unlikely to have any serious effect on "public health". Has the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use throughout Colorado caused a Colorado-wide health crisis? It has not.
A recent study showed that even asthmatics can smoke cannabis safely, that cannabis smoke in controlled amounts does not damage respiratory health & that the risks of mental health problems in young people who smoke cannabis is exaggerated.
Science Daily - Study Shows Cannabis Does NOT Cause Lung Cancer & Might Even PREVENT it!
from - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060526083353.htm
To suggest that legalising cannabis would not affect the black market in cannabis is so ridiculous that it barely deserves debate. I can't imagine who thought that made enough sense to write to 200 000 plus British people in an email! Patent rubbish. The uncontrolled trade in illegal alcohol must really trouble government given how much harm is caused & revenue lost to illegal brewers! I'm laughing into my lager here!
GOV - Legalisation would also send the wrong message to the vast majority of people who do not take drugs, especially young and vulnerable people, with the potential grave risk of increased misuse of drugs.
ME - If the harms caused by drugs are the reason for the classification system, then I would be more concerned about the message being sent by classifying cannabis alongside genuinely dangerous drugs such as heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine. Classifying a beneficial & relatively harmless herb like cannabis in amongst such dangerous & addictive substances like heroin & crack might give young people who try cannabis & find that it is perfectly safe & enjoyable the idea of trying much more dangerous substances. Keeping cannabis illegal also means that folk who buy it might find themselves buying it from someone who also sells more dangerous drugs & be tempted to try them.
Even the tired old rhetoric that cannabis caused mental illness in teens has been discredited.
Yahoo News - Teenage Cannabis Use Not Linked to Future Health Problems
from - http://news.yahoo.com/chronic-marijuana-teens-not-linked-later-health-issues-111412953.html
In countries where drugs use is more tolerated or decriminalised, it has been shown that less people use drugs & less people are harmed by them, per head of population. The governments own study last year proved that stronger legal penalties do not have a significant effect on the numbers of drugs users per head of population.
The Guardian - Punitive Drugs Law is Failing
from - http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/oct/30/punitive-drug-laws-are-failing-study
GOV - Despite the potential opportunity offered by legalisation to raise revenue through taxation, there would be costs in relation to administrative, compliance and law enforcement activities, as well as the wider costs of drug prevention and health services.
ME - Again, if I consider the revenue stream brought by legalisation of recreational cannabis in Colorado I am stunned to find the UK government suggesting, if indeed that's what they are suggesting, that somehow the establishment of a legal cannabis infrastructure or the treatment of those few people who do develop problems with cannabis might cost more than the revenue earned from a legal market. Absolute rubbish! Not only would a legal cannabis market pay for itself overnight, Police presently wasting time bothering weed smokers/grower would be freed overnight to tackle establishment paedophiles, people smugglers & burglars who are actually, really, genuinely causing harm to people & society! The laws against cannabis bring a ridiculously huge cost & drive incredible revenue into the hands of criminals. This argument is also frankly laughable.
Time - Colorado Tax Income Almost Doubles in One Year!
from - http://time.com/4003262/colorado-pot-revenue/
GOV - The UK's approach on drugs remains clear: we must prevent drug use in our communities; help dependent individuals through treatment and wider recovery support; while ensuring law enforcement protects society by stopping the supply and tackling the organised crime that is associated with the drugs trade. The Government will build on the Drugs Strategy by continuing to take a balanced and coherent approach to address the evolving challenges posed.
ME - Although this would be admirable if it were the case, the law in fact does little to disrupt cannabis importation, production & supply. This country is simply awash with cannabis & cannabis users. There is not a single day goes by when I do not smell cannabis in the street. I also smell mephedrone on the bus or train at least twice a week. So much for the mephedrone ban stamping out mephedrone. Cannabis was banned decades ago, & it's as widely available as ever. Keeping cannabis illegal will do nothing to combat organised crime & permits the acquisition of huge resources by criminals & possibly even terrorists.
Along with a number of other forces my own police in Surrey have recently announced that they will no longer bother those who smoke cannabis or grow small amounts. It won't be much good for the government if police forces refuse to uphold it's laws, will it?
The Telegraph - Police Forces Turn Blind Eye to Cannabis
from - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukn...they-will-turn-blind-eye-to-cannabis-use.html
GOV - There are positive signs that the Government’s approach is working: there has been a long term downward trend in drug use over the last decade, and more people are recovering from their dependency now than in 2009/10. The number of adults aged 16-59 using cannabis in the last year in England and Wales has declined over the last decade from 9.6% to 6.7%, with cannabis use amongst young adults aged 16-24 and young people aged 11-15 following a similar pattern.
This would be all very good if it wasn't for the fact that it ignores reports from last week in the media that suggest cannabis use & drugs use in general is on the rise amongst people aged over 45. Drugs use statistics cannot be relied upon to show any serious trend in the short term because they are affected by all sorts of socio-economic factors.
The Telegraph - Drug Use Rises in the Over 40s
from - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukn...gal-drug-use-rises-among-the-middle-aged.html
Thanks again, for you time!
Si
Last edited:
