Letter: Drugs `hell'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: It seems impossible for politicians to deal rationally with many types of illegal drugs ("Britons are Europe's biggest drug-takers", 23 November).
For many drugs, the danger to the user is very low. Taking alcohol as a benchmark for what seems an acceptable risk level to much of the public, cannabis is no more addictive, and probably less damaging to the body. Ecstasy is not physically addictive and only acutely dangerous in very rare circumstances, though the effects of chronic use are unknown. Even the demon heroin is only dangerous to most people if an overdose is taken. These are not medically controversial statements.
Why is it impossible for some brave politician to force a rational discussion, to acknowledge facts that every clubgoer, many policemen and even some politicians know?
TONY LANGTRY
Oxford
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments