Kirk report calls for liberal approach to cannabis smoking
FOLLOWING a two-year study, the Church of Scotland has issued a report which calls for a liberal approach to smoking cannabis, according to the press. We find it almost incredible that the Rev. J. Cowie, who led the study, should say, “We do not believe that the consumption of cannabis is unduly detrimental to people’s health or to society.” We have not found any reason to doubt the testimony of those directly involved in helping addicts, that smoking cannabis was the first step into the nightmare world of addiction for a large proportion of those addicted to other drugs.
Considering that a recent poll, by the national drug information group Crew 2000, has found that 96 per cent of young people who attend raves have been taking drugs on the dance floor, and that the large majority of these have been engaging in “high risk behaviour” while under the influence of drugs, indicates to our mind that the legislation which prohibits the smoking of cannabis should not be removed. □