Cannabis crop (From Daily Echo)

Companies like GW Pharmaceuticals are legally allowed to grow large amounts of cannabis in the U.K. every day.
They are even prescribing Sativex to MS sufferers now, so how can the government continue to say that cannabis is harmful, whilst allowing it to be prescribed to people ?
Cannabis is not harmful, the government no longer have a leg to stand on now as it has become clear as day that their reason for keeping the cultivation of cannabis illegal is SOLELY based on financial gain.
We waste millions every year on police, court and prison resources, when a large proportion of society uses cannabis without any problems at all. In fact the only real problem with cannabis is that it's illegal.
If it was regulated there would be no criminals involved, no theft of electricity, less human trafficking, no destruction of property or disruption of neighbourhoods.

Sovietobserver wrote:
Companies like GW Pharmaceuticals are legally allowed to grow large amounts of cannabis in the U.K. every day. They are even prescribing Sativex to MS sufferers now, so how can the government continue to say that cannabis is harmful, whilst allowing it to be prescribed to people ? Cannabis is not harmful, the government no longer have a leg to stand on now as it has become clear as day that their reason for keeping the cultivation of cannabis illegal is SOLELY based on financial gain. We waste millions every year on police, court and prison resources, when a large proportion of society uses cannabis without any problems at all. In fact the only real problem with cannabis is that it's illegal. If it was regulated there would be no criminals involved, no theft of electricity, less human trafficking, no destruction of property or disruption of neighbourhoods.

Good post.

hulla baloo wrote:

Sovietobserver wrote:
Companies like GW Pharmaceuticals are legally allowed to grow large amounts of cannabis in the U.K. every day. They are even prescribing Sativex to MS sufferers now, so how can the government continue to say that cannabis is harmful, whilst allowing it to be prescribed to people ? Cannabis is not harmful, the government no longer have a leg to stand on now as it has become clear as day that their reason for keeping the cultivation of cannabis illegal is SOLELY based on financial gain. We waste millions every year on police, court and prison resources, when a large proportion of society uses cannabis without any problems at all. In fact the only real problem with cannabis is that it's illegal. If it was regulated there would be no criminals involved, no theft of electricity, less human trafficking, no destruction of property or disruption of neighbourhoods.

Good post.

Agreed.
However, 'the only real problem with cannabis is that it's illegal' is not strictly true.
The tobacco that most users mix it with is a nasty addictive and live-shortening drug - far more worthy of being made illegal than cannabis.

The risks to health are very small - much, much less than alcohol or tobacco. By a recent analysis of mortality, hospital admissions, toxicity and propensity to phychosis, cannabis is really 3,000 times safer than alcohol.
Why not introduce a tax and a regulatory system and realise the benefits.

Despite all the effort, the supply and availability of cannabis in Southampton remains unfettered.If people want it, they can get it easily.
How is this ultimately protecting anyone ?
This is a waste of tax payers money. Once it is accepted that demand for cannabis exists, and is only rising, despite everything the government and enforcement try, it becomes a question whether to let people buy it from legitimate tax paying enterprises, whose products are regulated to be as safe as possible, or from black market thugs who are motivated purely by profit.
Enforcement has failed to reduce supply or demand for forty years, so it must now be controlled, it is that simple. With austerity in full swing we cannot afford to enforce this absurd 'war' any longer.

Sovietobserver wrote:
Companies like GW Pharmaceuticals are legally allowed to grow large amounts of cannabis in the U.K. every day.
They are even prescribing Sativex to MS sufferers now, so how can the government continue to say that cannabis is harmful, whilst allowing it to be prescribed to people ?
Cannabis is not harmful, the government no longer have a leg to stand on now as it has become clear as day that their reason for keeping the cultivation of cannabis illegal is SOLELY based on financial gain.
We waste millions every year on police, court and prison resources, when a large proportion of society uses cannabis without any problems at all. In fact the only real problem with cannabis is that it's illegal.
If it was regulated there would be no criminals involved, no theft of electricity, less human trafficking, no destruction of property or disruption of neighbourhoods.

I suggest two things.
Firstly check out the research that has been done in the USA on cannabis.
Secondly, ask the medical profession, especially Psychologists, Psychiatrists etc.
what their view is.

Sovietobserver wrote:
Companies like GW Pharmaceuticals are legally allowed to grow large amounts of cannabis in the U.K. every day.
They are even prescribing Sativex to MS sufferers now, so how can the government continue to say that cannabis is harmful, whilst allowing it to be prescribed to people ?
Cannabis is not harmful, the government no longer have a leg to stand on now as it has become clear as day that their reason for keeping the cultivation of cannabis illegal is SOLELY based on financial gain.
We waste millions every year on police, court and prison resources, when a large proportion of society uses cannabis without any problems at all. In fact the only real problem with cannabis is that it's illegal.
If it was regulated there would be no criminals involved, no theft of electricity, less human trafficking, no destruction of property or disruption of neighbourhoods.

Another two questions
In which countries is it legal to sell/use cannabis?
Why has Holland classed the Coffee Shop cannabis as a "Hard Drug" and banned its sale in that form??

George4th, In the U.S.A. the research carried out over many years has resulted in the discovery of many medicinal extracts from cannabis that have been sanctioned for use in the treatment of many ailments, namely Marinol, Sativex etc. On the downside the professionals have agreed that cannabis smoked with tobacco for instance can accelerate damage to lungs. As for psychiatric effects they believe that those with disorders such as bi-polar and depression, cannabis can effect mood swings in such a way that it alleviates the more deeper mood swings.
With regards to your question in which countries it is legal to sell / use cannabis herewith a list.
Cambodia , Czech Republic (small amounts), Ecuador, Iran (legally grown for seeds to eat and oil extract, and carrying up to 15g max.)
Mexico, Netherlands (coffeeshops only) , Pakistan (law rarely enforced), Peru, U.S.A. (15 states & D.C. as well as uses for medicinal purposes ), Uruguay ( law used only partly).
In Holland the 'coffeeshop' hard drugs are banned only when the active ingredient THC (Tetrahydrocannabina
) exceeds higher than 15%.

Legalise it, tax it.

Yeah Man. Legalise the weed. While we're at it lets all sit around big camp sites with our VW's campers and talk about peace and banning the bomb baby. Lets paint CND signs and smiley faces on our forehead and paint the walls psychedelic patterns. Yeah man Puff the Magic Dragon baby.

Sovietobserver wrote:
George4th, In the U.S.A. the research carried out over many years has resulted in the discovery of many medicinal extracts from cannabis that have been sanctioned for use in the treatment of many ailments, namely Marinol, Sativex etc. On the downside the professionals have agreed that cannabis smoked with tobacco for instance can accelerate damage to lungs. As for psychiatric effects they believe that those with disorders such as bi-polar and depression, cannabis can effect mood swings in such a way that it alleviates the more deeper mood swings.
With regards to your question in which countries it is legal to sell / use cannabis herewith a list.
Cambodia , Czech Republic (small amounts), Ecuador, Iran (legally grown for seeds to eat and oil extract, and carrying up to 15g max.)
Mexico, Netherlands (coffeeshops only) , Pakistan (law rarely enforced), Peru, U.S.A. (15 states & D.C. as well as uses for medicinal purposes ), Uruguay ( law used only partly).
In Holland the 'coffeeshop' hard drugs are banned only when the active ingredient THC (Tetrahydrocannabina

) exceeds higher than 15%.

You are trying to play it down!
>
It is ILLEGAL in all but 3 countries! Yes, it may be tolerated in a couple more tin pot countries! However, you are trying to tell me that over 99% of the countries are wrong to ban cannabis!!
>
Extracts - of course there are - that's a side show! You need to read up on the USA research - it makes very bad reading, especially for cannabis users.
>
Why do you think Holland has clamped down on it? They were once held up by the cannabis users as the so called liberal exception! Holland has woken up to the dangers - they will only now allow a much much weaker form of cannabis - that suggests it is on its way out. Foreigners are NOT allowed to be given cannabis in Holland!
>
Basically, the only people who really promote cannabis are the users or ex users or misguided liberal minded people
>
As I said, go and talk to the medical profession and then tell us what they say.

Sovietobserver wrote:
Despite all the effort, the supply and availability of cannabis in Southampton remains unfettered.If people want it, they can get it easily.
How is this ultimately protecting anyone ?
This is a waste of tax payers money. Once it is accepted that demand for cannabis exists, and is only rising, despite everything the government and enforcement try, it becomes a question whether to let people buy it from legitimate tax paying enterprises, whose products are regulated to be as safe as possible, or from black market thugs who are motivated purely by profit.
Enforcement has failed to reduce supply or demand for forty years, so it must now be controlled, it is that simple. With austerity in full swing we cannot afford to enforce this absurd 'war' any longer.

''Despite all the effort, the supply and availability of cannabis in Southampton remains unfettered.If people want it, they can get it easily''
.So what was the point of your first argument when you stated -
''If it was regulated there would be no criminals involved, no theft of electricity, less human trafficking, no destruction of property or disruption of neighbourhoods''.
Make your mind up !!! Or are u being paranoid ?? lol

andysaints007 wrote:

Sovietobserver wrote:
Despite all the effort, the supply and availability of cannabis in Southampton remains unfettered.If people want it, they can get it easily.
How is this ultimately protecting anyone ?
This is a waste of tax payers money. Once it is accepted that demand for cannabis exists, and is only rising, despite everything the government and enforcement try, it becomes a question whether to let people buy it from legitimate tax paying enterprises, whose products are regulated to be as safe as possible, or from black market thugs who are motivated purely by profit.
Enforcement has failed to reduce supply or demand for forty years, so it must now be controlled, it is that simple. With austerity in full swing we cannot afford to enforce this absurd 'war' any longer.

''Despite all the effort, the supply and availability of cannabis in Southampton remains unfettered.If people want it, they can get it easily''
.So what was the point of your first argument when you stated -
''If it was regulated there would be no criminals involved, no theft of electricity, less human trafficking, no destruction of property or disruption of neighbourhoods''.
Make your mind up !!! Or are u being paranoid ?? lol

In the first paragraph of mine , which you have repeated, commencing with 'Despite all the effort', I am trying to emphasize the wording on the wasted police efforts of enforcement. The earlier quote is meant to indicate that there are alternative methods other than enforcement. I apologise for any mis-understanding.

I'm on the fence on this issue.

What would I rather meet in a dark alley, someone drunk on alcohol who's after a fight or someone stoned that just wants to hug me?

It amazes me that anyone supports prohibition, whether you think people should take cannabis or whether you think people should NOT take cannabis.

The reason I say this is that in the more enlightened nations where legal access to Cannabis is allowed for consenting adults consumption is reduced, most markedly amongst youngsters. Heroin use is far less, FAR LESS than in the U.K.

The only people now who support prohibition are those who are making VAST SUMS OF MONEY from the current situation, and even some of those are coming to their senses now.

Regarding the comment about the Dutch seeing sense...the overwhelming view is that the coffeeshops are just going to be carrying on as they are now apart from one town in the south. The coffeshop owners don't agree with the measures to limit access to non-residents either with the "weed pass" or private clubs. Even if the new laws were passed nothing is going to change. Limiting access to the cofeeshops is only going to create a new black market on the streets. This goes against all the reasons why the Dutch introduced the tolerance to cannabis policy use in the first place.
I myself use cannabis medicinally instead of the poison my GP prescribes me. I can get opiates in the form of codeine (same family as heroine) for chronic pain, combined with 2 other types of painkillers. OK, they kill the pain, but also have horrendous side-effects. Cannabis works directly and far more effectively, and it enables me to lead a normal life. Does that make me a criminal? The law says it does, but why should I be denied legal access to a medicine that has 1000's of years of evidence that it works, and that works for me?
With regards to the idiot who said something about sitting round a camp fire and going "wow...the colours man...so groovy..."things have changed and your stereotypical hippy type person is no longer the main user of cannabis...it's lawyers, doctors, company directors, and 6 million law abiding users in the UK alone

Mike, that's very good news about Holland. Seems that the small minority who want to go back to the dark ages there in fact have very little influence on what actually happens, despite the bluster they issue for the consumption of the gutter press in other countries.

Dan-Bognor wrote:
Mike, that's very good news about Holland. Seems that the small minority who want to go back to the dark ages there in fact have very little influence on what actually happens, despite the bluster they issue for the consumption of the gutter press in other countries.

It's the far right coalition party fronted by Geert Wilders who want to go back to the dark ages. The majority of town and city councils are against the plans because they know it will create a black street market with all the nonsense and disturbance it will bring to local residents.
There is plenty of sound evidence pointing towards the medicinal properties of cannabis. It may shock you to know that in the UK there is pharmaceutical company that produces about 20 tonnes of cannabis a year and makes a medicine called Sativex with that. This company has had a home office licence to grow the stuff for more than 10 years. And guess what? Despite that the home office still states that cannabis has NO medicinal value at all...the mind boggles. This medicine is simply an extract of the whole plant in alcohol. It is in effect cannabis in spray form.
The Misuse of Drugs Act is not protecting anyone. The only ID a dealer needs is a £20 note...it's time to legalize cannabis and regulate the supply through outlets such as coffeeshops and to make growing for medicinal use legal. In Europe the UK and Fance are the only 2 countries where medicinal cannabis is not legal/descriminalize
d/tolerated....time for a change!

Hi Mike, yes I have heard about that Sativex, and it does sound a very effective medicine. I am in need of medication for severe muscular spasms so I asked the doctor to prescribe it for me. She could not because G.W. are charging prohibitively high prices for it. It would be possible, I suspect to obtain a private prescription but I could not afford to buy it. I asked about getting a prescription for the identical product offered by legitimate companies in California etc because they charge a fraction of the price, but apparently the Home Office would want to throw me in jail if I sent off for some. What a situation! We need the law changing and we need it changing now!

You have accomplished nothing here except waste more police time which should be used to catch criminals who hurt others, and give more people criminal records for growing a plant. You have took medicine who some people depend on.

Right now this country is a disgrace sending winston mathews to prision for growing the medication that gives him the will to live his life.

When will this country wake up spain, netherlands, france, germany, switzerland and parts of america can all use and buy herbal cannabis as a medication

GW Pharma grow 30 tonnes of cannabis a year and use it to make hash oil which can be made at home, but they charge extortion prices. They are allowed to grow and sell it but us as citizens are made into criminals to grow the medicine for ourselves because the sativex costs too much.

END PROHIBITION!!!

Sativex is made from a blend of two different Cannabis strains to get the required balance of Cannabinoids, one of which is "Super Strength Skunk" as the newspapers love to call that particular strain.

The most exciting development recently is that Cannabis breeders have successfully developed new strains which have exactly the same balance of cannabinoids, all in just one plant. So very soon medicinal users will be able to, literally, grow their own Sativex. They will still have to do it furtively in secret though due to unjust laws. This really underlines just how evil the current legal framework surrounding Cannabis is.