A Drug dealer writes:

In the eyes of the law I am an "organised criminal" which couldn't be
further from the truth. I deal in small amounts to a circle of friends
and what profit I make I smoke myself - about 7g (£26) per week.

I am at the end of a chain of distribution which ultimately is connected
to some very dangerous individuals and I really don't relish this
aspect. I would be much happier were I allowed to cultivate cannabis, or,
better still, buy it like alcohol or cigarettes. The war on drugs has been
instigated with no public inquiry, no consultation. I love my country, and
would do anything for the good of my community, so why does my country
treat me as a criminal?

I was only 20 when I was diagnosed with MS and totally paralysed down my
right side. At hospital I was administered a course of steroids. My weight
ballooned from seven to 14 stone. I was fat and miserable, with little
hope. After taking cannabis I have never looked back. I have never had
another serious attack and my condition is now quite stable. Smoking
cannabis has got me arrested and locked in a prison cell. I am not a
criminal.

Lezley Gibson
Cumbria