Society will be far safer if cannabis is regulated
PETER HITCHENS suggests that cannabis is the root of all evil, implying that its use causes a variety of mental health issues and, by extension, violent crime (Daily Mail, January 25). no serious proponent of much-needed drug policy reform and ending the war on drugs will downplay the risk of potent cannabis strains to mental health and brain development. But the continued criminalisation of cannabis, as advocated by Mr Hitchens, has proven counter-productive and disproportionately impacts young people, affecting their chances in life. The truth is that the current dominance of these potent cannabis strains is precisely the result of prohibition. In an illicit market controlled by criminal organisations, producers will always seek to sell a more concentrated drug that promises higher returns.
The only effective response, supported by the Global Commission on Drug Policy and countless medical and policy experts, is to take control of the market and legally regulate cannabis. This will not only offer greater transparency and choice to consumers, but, ultimately, greater protection from harm. Evidence from countries and U.s. states that regulated cannabis in recent years speaks volumes: none have seen notable increases in mental health issues or violent crime as a result. and regulation generates tax revenue that can be invested in prevention and harm reduction measures, including mental health services. There is no question: sensible drug policy that prioritises decriminalisation, regulation and harm reduction over prohibition and prosecution is the only way of making societies safer.
SIR RICHARD BRANSON, Member of the global Commission on Drug policy.