Tommy Sheridan launches petition to have UK legalise cannabis (From Herald Scotland)
Tommy Sheridan has launched a petition calling for cannabis to be legalised in the UK.
The former Solidarity MSP, launced the petition earlier, in a bid to
legalise what he calls the "non-criminal action" of using cannabis, and
directing the money raised from taxing the drug into drug treatment
programmes.
Only 98 people have signed his petition on change.org since the petition was launched yesterday.
The petition is called "Legalise, regulate, licence and tax cannabis.
Drop the stupid 'war' on drugs. Wise up." and is directed at the UK
Parliament.
On the site, calling for people to sign his petition, Tommy said: "The
consumption of cannabis is a recreational choice not a criminal act.
"To criminalise such a non-criminal action is not only expensive and
counter productive it is also hypocritical in light of the legal
availability of much more damaging drugs like alcohol.
"The money raised from taxing the legal sales of cannabis can be
directed into proper drug treatment and rehabilitation services.
"Drug use is a medical and social issue not a criminal problem.
"Forcing supply to be controlled by criminal gangs is a big part of the problem and is no part of the solution.
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"Society should be waging war on poverty not recreational drugs.Sign
the petition and call on the Home Office to legalise, licence, regulate
and tax cannabis but prohibit promotion or advertising."
