Free the Weed?

Studies have shown that some people who have been using cannabis for several months or longer develop serious long-term problems. It harms memory and motivation. Some chronic users suffer from bronchitis, coughing and chest pains. Marijuana smoke also contains carcinogenic substances. Extended use of it can cause individuals to lose interest in school, their jobs and social activities.

The legalization of cannabis topic has caused much disagreement between politicians. Many of them think that it would be irresponsible of them to unleash another health burden alongside alcohol and tobacco unto our society. It would be foolish to make a bad problem worse.

Many parents also fear that if cannabis was to be made legal then harder drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine would appeal more to today's youth. The thrill of rebelling with the idea that you might get caught is the reason why many teenagers experiment with illegal drugs. Drug dealers would also lose out if cannabis was to be made legal and in an attempt to earn more money they would push 'class A' drugs such as heroin much harder.

Some people believe that it would free up the Courts time and save money if it were to be made legal to smoke cannabis. However new law legislations would bring licensed suppliers, legal ages of purchasers and users, and places it could be used. Could you drive a car or operate machinery? It would be a bottomless pit and it would clog the legal system as it has never before.

On the other hand many would welcome the legalization of cannabis, as most medical opinion would agree that it is far less harmful to the individual and society than alcohol. There has been more alcohol related deaths in Northern Ireland than there has been drug related this could be argued that more people consume alcohol than drugs, however alcohol can be classified as a drug. It is addictive and prolonged abuse can cause far more damage to the body than smoking cannabis. Unlike alcohol nobody has ever overdosed on cannabis and it is impossible to become physically addicted to it. Figures also show that many regular cannabis users drink little or no alcohol.

The last annual figures show that of all drug related arrest 83 % were for cannabis offences. It could be argued that money could be saved in the persecution of these criminals.

Some politicians also feel that adults should have the right to make decisions concerning their own body. If they decide to destroy their lungs and increase their chance to get cancer then why doesn't the government get the tax from it to provide new and better services to the public?

Cannabis is also very useful for people who suffer from MS. These people suffer great anguish and pain in their muscles and some users claim that smoking cannabis relieves them from their pain for hours at a time.

I believe that cannabis should be made legal for those who suffer great pain in their muscles i.e. people who suffer from MS and arthritis because people should not be made to live in unbearable pain where the quality of their life is bad. When a complete cure is found in the years to come then I believe that the government and the medical society can review that law. On the legalization of cannabis for recreational use I believe that it should not be made legal so that it will discourage any of those who are thinking of using it. However I have no objection to those who wish to smoke it as long as they know the damage they are doing to their own body. The only people they are hurting are themselves.

ERIN DOHERTY 12J