Drugs have been used since early civilisation for medicinal and
recreational purposes. There are over 4,000 plants known to yield
psychoactive substances; mankind can never prevent the
importation of drugs. Society needs to learn to live responsibly
with drugs, to enjoy their benefits and avoid the pitfalls.

The only solution is to reduce demand through education and to
provide treatment and rehabilitation. Prohibition has failed. It
results in uncontrolled use of drugs and an increased
criminality; far better to have controlled availability providing
the safer scenario of controlled use.

I wonder whether this Government has the courage to take on this
challenge. Appointing a police officer to head its campaign does
not reassure me.

Patrick Monahan
FRCS
Powys, Wales