cannabisnews.com: M0'S Drugs Stance Risks Blair Wrath





M0'S Drugs Stance Risks Blair Wrath
Posted by FoM on January 24, 2000 at 07:22:38 PT
Source: The Mirror
MO Mowlam risked a clash with Tony Blair last night by signalling Britain's drug laws could be relaxed. Cabinet Enforcer ms Mowlam, who leads the Government's anti-drugs drive, has hinted that medicinal use of cannabis could be allowed. The Prime Minister and Home Secretary Jack Straw are both deeply sceptical of such a move. 
They fear it could be exploited by campaigners pressing for a wider legalisation of soft drugs. Ms Mowlam, who has admitted having smoked marijuana as a student, denied she wanted the law on possessing cannabis liberalised. But the Cabinet Office said "vigorous" scientific tests are currently being carried out to establish whether any medical benefit can be gained from the drug. A spokesman said: "If, and only if, substantive evidence is delivered to prove cannabis is beneficial, and a safe way to administer the drug is found, then the Government will look at the evidence. "To suggest the drug should be decriminalised without any scientific proof is to totally disregard public health."Ms Mowlam has asked scientific experts to look at whether cannabis could be effective in easing sufferers of illnesses like multiple sclerosis. Whitehall sources said the move was a "small but significant" step. Several Labour MPs have joined a growing campaign for the medical use of cannabis. Thousands of seriously ill people are believed to use it to relieve their pain. But the Tories are fiercely opposed to the step and senior ministers believe it could send out the wrong signals. The drugs controversy came as Mirror readers continued to urge Mo to run for London mayor. We called for her to stand after our patience ran out with the bitter in-fighting in the battle to represent Labour. By last night 10,399 of you had backed Mo, putting her way out in front on 64 per cent. Ken Livingstone was supported by 28 per cent of callers (4,626 votes), Glenda Jackson by five per cent (849) and Frank Dobson - Mr Blair's choice - by a paltry three per cent (439). Published: January 24, 2000© MGN, Ltd, 1997, (0171-293-3000) One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AP Related Articles: No Clash Over Cannabis - Government - 1/23/2000http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread4443.shtmlBritain's Anti-Drug Chief Mowlam Smoked Cannabis - 1/16/2000http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread4335.shtml 
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