Which drugs are the most dangerous?
The government's chief drug adviser says ecstasy, LSD and cannabis are less harmful than alcohol and cigarettes. Professor David Nutt, who heads the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, says that cannabis in particular doesn't cause major health problems.
Is he right? Which drugs have caused you the most harm? You can listen back to today's Morning Extra debate, or leave your comments below.
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I'm horrified at the way Amsterdam, a favourite city of mine over many years, was being portrayed on this mornings program.....there are many reasons to go to Amsterdam apart from smoking cafes. And yes, the architecture IS one of the reasons....also the canals, the culture, the brown cafes, the art, it's a good centre for getting around & seeing more of the Netherlands, the people - most of whom seenm to be disgusted at the pot tourists.
Anna
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Hi Graham,
The contributors mostly men were very honest about their experiences providing a thought provoking discussion encompassing all levels of approach to the eventual licensing of cannabis under very controlled conditions.
To my mind this will evolve and it does take ordinary working people away from the criminal fraternity, the current scourge of society throughout the country.
Benefits:
The youngsters would not be drawn into the path of criminals, as the cafes would be controlled and standards for the product would be set as is the case with cigarettes and alcohol. The quality of the product would be standardised and in being cynical, here is an opportunity for the cash strapped Government to implement taxes. Possibly it is ahead of me in this one.
Police time would be freed up to concentrate more serious criminal drug activities to make our society safer. Also in this vein the police would not have to waste time moving on youngsters, who congregate wherever, as this section of society would be in the known recognised venue. Perhaps the nuisance value would then evaporate from our midst.
For the recreational user, who is in the majority it would ,once the U turn was accepted as norm, it would be great for them just to pop into the café the same as they pop into a bar.
I noted a caller remarked how it was all men contributors this morning but with the advent of cafes the females would frequent these premises and things perhaps would balance out more.
Downside
The destruction of families who are at their wits end in supporting an addict. The cost of rehabilitation of the addict as well as homeless addict, who has been shunned by the family, broken under the strain over the years. The low esteem of the addict can, as was detailed this morning, gnaw away until life is not worth living - a tragedy for us all. The loss of earning power of the abuser as they sink further into
the abyss.
The subject is extremely complex and I leave you with the question “ Is Society bold enough to adopt the unthinkable ?
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As things stand right now there are three problems with cannabis.
1. Unlike tobacco and alcohol, the quality of the cannabis available is not consistent.
2. Like all drugs, cannabis affects different people in different ways.
3. The various effects of cannabis on individuals have not been studied thoroughly enough.
So, as Jack Straw once said, it would be reckless of any government to legalise cannabis - or any similar substance - until the three main problems associated with it are properly resolved.
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