Legalise cannabis, say 40 percent of young Britons

LONDON, Oct 3 (Reuter) Forty percent of young Britons believe cannabis
should be legalised, according to an opinion poll published on Friday.

But nearly seven out of 10 people canvassed by the NOP Research group said
they believed legislation would lead to more widespread use of drugs.

``There seems to be a strong feeling amongst the younger generation that
the legalisation of 'soft' drugs such as cannabis should be given greater
consideration,'' said NOP consumer researcher Mandy Atkin.

The Independent on Sunday newspaper has launched a campaign to
decriminalise cannabis.

But the government reacted quickly to the call, saying the campaign was
irresponsible and changing the law would increase consumption.

But doctors and psychologists say the issue is not quite so clear cut and
argue that distinctions should be made between medical and recreational
uses of cannabis.

^REUTER@