Cannabis use illegal for good reason
DEPUTY Marc Leadbeater asserts that there is a groundswell of public opinion in favour of the legalisation of recreational cannabis. No doubt he has had many conversations with recreational cannabis activists, but has he sought the opinion of a representative number of his constituents?
The use of cannabis is against the law for a very good reason; it is a personality-altering drug, and long-term use has proven to be both addictive and detrimental to the user’s mental wellbeing. Please read the NHS guidance on cannabis, it is very sobering reading, especially if you are contemplating legislation.
I have witnessed the long-term deterioration of a previously fit, healthy, sporty young man into what can only be described as a zombie-like condition. The damage is slow, insidious and irreversible!
Deputy Leadbeater can quote facts and statistics, i.e. high tax returns, and others have mentioned cannabis tourism (do we really want that for
Guernsey?) to support his case, but the anti-side can easily counter that with their own figures and studies to reinforce their case. We must also take into account the many mental health problems that would arise, leading to higher mental health expenditure.
Addicts can recover from cocaine and heroin addiction and lead normal lives thereafter, but the damage caused by tens of thousands of hits to the brain from cannabis inhalation is, as previously stated, irreversible, and consequently the user is dependent on society instead of contributing to it.
The Guernsey community must not allow itself to sleepwalk or be coerced into a situation it would certainly ultimately
regret.
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