Granny knot.GPs do occasionally prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam but prescribe it in small quantities for short term use only. People who abuse benzodiazepines use vast quantities such as nine or ten tablets per day, sometimes more so they have to buy them black market then.

mumofmadboys I understand that. That is my point - legal drugs available on prescription, are being misused. So, there's an unregulated street market for them, despite the fact that they're legal, because people want them and don't get what they want from the doctor.

I understand you can buy benzodiazepines in large quantities on the net. Doctors try to prescribe very small quantities to try and stop medication being diverted. People who are prescribed benzodiazepines are often on daily collection of their prescribed dose from the chemist to try and prevent diversion.

I think the idea of legalising drugs is to be able to exert some control and to spike the guns of the criminal gangs. It's not being touted as a cure for addiction, which I imagine is as old as mankind.

Good point Sue.

I worked in a drug an alcohol team and it was certainly very distressing to see these young addicts at the clinic pregnant and with babies in pushchairs. They came for professional help with their addictions and were prescribed methadone (which unfortunately is equally addictive). Some of the females had fallen into prostitution to pay for their habit, or were in a violent relationship where she was forced to work on the streets for her partner. Hard drugs...Heroin, Cocaine etc NEED to stay illegal. Decriminalising Cannabis I agree with, there are alot of people out there who use it as a natural pain killer. Recreational use in their own homes would work. The government would benefit because they could tax it. Controlled by the pharmacies/gp's it makes common sense. In Spain it is legal to "Grow your Own" for your own personal consumption, why not here in the UK? There would be less burden on the courts, jails, NHS, police forces...and much more. Alcohol is legal and very dangerous. I would prefer it if the government concentrated on educating adults and children from an early age. Most young people want to "try" something that is not allowed. These are just my thoughts as a mother of 4 children, and thankfully NOT a cannabis user.

How many people are driving under the influence of cannabis though? A spliff before breakfast then drive to work and reactions are not what they should be.
Other people are put in danger.

And cannabis is not a 'nice safe drug' - cannabis is not just one strength but comes in different strengths and stronger strains developed all the time.

There is some evidence to suggest that stoned subjects exhibit increased risk-taking and impaired decision-making, and score worse on memory tasks—and residual impairments have been detected days or even weeks after use. Some studies also link years of regular marijuana use to deficits in memory, learning, and concentration.

In my opinion the UK government (of whatever hue),should legalise drugs pot but not cocaine. Does anyone know if there are any stats which have compared how those killed
by drunk drivers and by those who have smoked pot? If the government decriminalised pot think of the tax they could rake in . . .

For instance, a friend and fellow boat owner smokes pot because of his condition. The marina owners ignored it as he told them of his health probs. Walking in his shoes I'd have done the same.

For medicinal purposes yes, but otherwise I think it is fraught with danger.

I don`t understand why we are against legalizing drugs. We sell all kinds of things that are `harmful`. Try dealing with someone who has drank a bottle of whiskey, or someone who has lung cancer. Maybe we should ban fast cars in case people crash, dangerous sports or sugar.
They are all harmful, cause huge expense to the NHS and bring in loads of tax revenue.