Hi,
The original question is a subject close to my heart .....though I accept that views on ths subject tend to be very polarised.
Regarding the man concerned......you knew him...unlike myself......but my initial reaction is that......to make such a dramatic change in his personality......it's UNlikely that it's simply the use of weed that's been the cause.....though it may have contributed. MANY things can occur in someone's life over a long period.....possibly causing mental problems, usually causing changes in our views in many areas....to say nothing of possible emotional problems which may have contributed to his present condition,......Can you be CERTAIN that his current condition can be SOLELY attributed to his use of cannabis??
Regarding the question re:Should all drugs be classified as A
My own views.......after many years of contact with users of many different drugs.....both legal and illegal is that.....eventually....ALL governments will be forced to accept decriminilisation at least.
It's one thing to fight a 'war' against drugs when they can be easily identified.....quite another when it's becoming easier each day to chemically modify ILLEGAL drugs so they become legal!!.....but...in essence...produce the same effect for the user.
My, admittedly, left wing views ( matched, incidentally, by the private opinions of some influential MPs .......Do your own research re: your own MP ), are that HUGE resources are wasted in this failing 'war' on drugs which.....given the political will......could be re-allocated to the education.....particularly of the young....so that they were aware of the FULL implications of using ANY drug.
On top of that.......If the state were to accept that supply of pure drugs was legal they could eliminate most of the social ill effects of drug use.....criminal behaviour, costs to NHS of impure supplies and violence associated with criminal behaviour to get the drugs, costs of subsidising addicts via the benefits system when supplied with regular supply many are capable of holding down jobs, etc.
On top of all that....as is the case with tobacco nand alcohol......duties would be raised via the legal supply of such supplies together with legal employment within the supply sector....all contributing to the exchequer's coffers
In MY view......the main consideration should ALWAYS have been education!!....Since the 60's and before we have been 'educated' to believe that most drugs have enormous adverse effects......hardly surprising that generations have ignored the official line!!
Finally......consider the hitorical records of governments both here and abroad.....in caving in to pressures from established big businesses at the times to outlaw what was previously legally acceptable.
I don't suggest that such political decisions will come easy to ANY government who are, after all,maily concerned with obtaining power, but remain convinced that legalising drug use and supply is the only, long term answer
UNLESS.......through our own fear we continue to be manipulated into welcoming 'Big Brother' into his omnipotent position covering EVERY aspect of our lives!!.....THEN....I think ......we'll have rather more to be concerned about that drug use!!
Appologies for going on.......If not for the AUP......I'd have had rather more to say!!
Chris
