Experts v Knee-jerks

Professor Nutt knows more about the issues concerning drug misuse that I, the Home Secretary or the Prime Minister. Yet, the Government has forced him to resign as Chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs for daring to put forward scientific arguments against the proposals to reclassify cannabis as a more serious substance (from its current classification as “C” to the more serious “Class B” definition).

Yes, I accept that some people will come at this from a moral perspective, given whatever experience one may have had of observing those who have abused drugs. But the scientific evidence has, for some time now, given a clear picture of cannabis and ecstasy being no more harmful MEDICALLY speaking than either alcohol or smoking tobacco.

But, the issues are far more complex than those who suggest it’s simply a matter of “zero tolerance” to drug taking. What should we have a zero tolerance attitude towards and how would this be manifested? I agree, the illegal trade in drugs is harmful to national security and international relations. Drugs wars spill over into the streets of the world's major cities, blighting lives. But what comes first? The criminality or the illegality? IF the drugs were not illegal, then there would not be a criminal trade it in, running up billions in profits for international criminal companies.

However, that's even before we consider WHY people take up drug taking. Should we have a zero tolerance on poverty, hopelessness, the most dire housing conditions, poor education and lack of opportunity? For the people using drugs as an escape route or as a route into the glamour of a lifestyle celebrated in pop culture, then help and support is needed, not criminalisation. I have supported the local drugs project in Swansea which looks at practical ways to help drug users and the police have been very supportive, too.

Then there is the question of recreational "middle-class" drug use and clubbing culture. How much better would it be for drugs to be regulated, like other harmful goods such as alcohol and nicotine? Or should the police waste their time raiding nightclubs and apartments in Hoxton?

Yes, let's deal with criminal behaviour, but for heaven's sakes let’s have a rational debate based on scientific expert opinion and not make policy based on whether the Daily Mail or the Sun will support it.