A PLYMOUTH Tory MP says cannabis will never be made legal under his watch.
This comes as a significant debate was held at Westminster Hall earlier
this week detailing the positives and negatives of the drug's potential
legalisation.
Oliver Colvile, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, was hoping to speak at the debate but maintains his views "are against recreational cannabis".
However Mr Colvile, who has questioned in the past whether marijuana should be available on the NHS to ease the pain of those suffering from multiple sclerosis, says there is still a case for its medical use.
He said: "I'm very sympathetic to people with neurological issues and I think they should have access to it.
"But my views are I'm against recreational cannabis and I want to make it quite clear I have never taken cannabis and frankly have never been offered any drugs.
"I'm against its recreational use because if you are aged between age 15 up until about 21, it can do you an enormous amount of mental health problems."
On Saturday night Plymouth MP for Moorview, Johnny Mercer, told Southway residents he would never support the legalisation of drugs, and also called for even harsher measures on those selling legal highs.
He said at the meeting he felt there was no reason for him to be part of Monday's debate, as the majority of his constituents were against the legalisation of cannabis.
During the debate at Westminster Hall a range of issues on the subject were brought forward for discussion.
Led by Labour MP Paul Flynn, the debate on its legalisation was
triggered by an online petition signed by almost 221,000 people.
Mr Flynn said: "What we need to do is to replace the system [we have in the UK] where we spend billions a year trying to restrict the use of drugs.
"The market is controlled by irresponsible criminals; they don't pay taxes, and the idea is we have this empire of criminals building up across the world exploiting their customers.
"A sensible way forward would be to replace this system with one controlled by the state.
"No one's asking for a free for all, but we are asking for a sensible system."
His closing words were met with a round of applause from the public gallery, which was quickly put to an end.
Mr Flynn begged the government to think again and help MS sufferers to ease their pain.
But Jeremy Prichard, chief executive of Harbour Drug and Alcohol Services in Plymouth, believes what's needed is "some smart legislation" around its supply and use.
He said: "We as a treatment agency will not get into the debate because it is a political issue.
"We will treat people that take any substance, and cannabis is one of them.
"The dangers are when it's used with other substances, including alcohol. There needs to be a lot more information out there [regarding its use].
"There's a stigma around people getting in trouble with drugs and alcohol, or any substance. They say 'it's a choice', well actually that's not true.
"People who get into trouble are not criminals, but I'm not promoting the use of [cannabis] and I'm not promoting it to be illegal or legal."
Mr
Prichard says although Harbour sees young people for taking cannabis,
there hasn't been an increase in its overall use in the city.
"We see people who have got into trouble with it," he said, "and it causing behavioural or psychotic or social problems."
However, Mr Prichard explained these adverse affects are more related to what's referred to as 'skunk' – more potent strains of cannabis.
He said: "It's true to say the skunk grown today is a lot stronger than it might have been for the older generation who used to smoke in their youth and can have severe affects.
"But I would say that people need to calm down about the whole debate and have a proper discussion without the 'don't bother me with the facts' attitude.
"Like alcohol, if you invented it now would you make it legal?"
Mr Colvile added: "I have a cup of tea now and again with one constituent and have talked about this issue.
"I think he recognises I'm quite supportive of it being used for pharmaceutical reasons and he would love me to be much more liberal about its recreational use."
Is there a debate for its legalisation for medical use?
ONE of the main arguments for legalising cannabis is for health reasons – in particular to reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Oliver Colvile, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, was hoping to speak at the debate but maintains his views "are against recreational cannabis".
However Mr Colvile, who has questioned in the past whether marijuana should be available on the NHS to ease the pain of those suffering from multiple sclerosis, says there is still a case for its medical use.
He said: "I'm very sympathetic to people with neurological issues and I think they should have access to it.
"But my views are I'm against recreational cannabis and I want to make it quite clear I have never taken cannabis and frankly have never been offered any drugs.
"I'm against its recreational use because if you are aged between age 15 up until about 21, it can do you an enormous amount of mental health problems."
On Saturday night Plymouth MP for Moorview, Johnny Mercer, told Southway residents he would never support the legalisation of drugs, and also called for even harsher measures on those selling legal highs.
He said at the meeting he felt there was no reason for him to be part of Monday's debate, as the majority of his constituents were against the legalisation of cannabis.
During the debate at Westminster Hall a range of issues on the subject were brought forward for discussion.
'The dangers are when it's used with other substances, including alcohol. There needs to be a lot more information out there...'
Mr Flynn said: "What we need to do is to replace the system [we have in the UK] where we spend billions a year trying to restrict the use of drugs.
"The market is controlled by irresponsible criminals; they don't pay taxes, and the idea is we have this empire of criminals building up across the world exploiting their customers.
"A sensible way forward would be to replace this system with one controlled by the state.
"No one's asking for a free for all, but we are asking for a sensible system."
His closing words were met with a round of applause from the public gallery, which was quickly put to an end.
Mr Flynn begged the government to think again and help MS sufferers to ease their pain.
But Jeremy Prichard, chief executive of Harbour Drug and Alcohol Services in Plymouth, believes what's needed is "some smart legislation" around its supply and use.
He said: "We as a treatment agency will not get into the debate because it is a political issue.
"We will treat people that take any substance, and cannabis is one of them.
"The dangers are when it's used with other substances, including alcohol. There needs to be a lot more information out there [regarding its use].
"There's a stigma around people getting in trouble with drugs and alcohol, or any substance. They say 'it's a choice', well actually that's not true.
"People who get into trouble are not criminals, but I'm not promoting the use of [cannabis] and I'm not promoting it to be illegal or legal."
'No one's asking for a free for all, but we are asking for a sensible system...'
"We see people who have got into trouble with it," he said, "and it causing behavioural or psychotic or social problems."
However, Mr Prichard explained these adverse affects are more related to what's referred to as 'skunk' – more potent strains of cannabis.
He said: "It's true to say the skunk grown today is a lot stronger than it might have been for the older generation who used to smoke in their youth and can have severe affects.
"But I would say that people need to calm down about the whole debate and have a proper discussion without the 'don't bother me with the facts' attitude.
"Like alcohol, if you invented it now would you make it legal?"
Mr Colvile added: "I have a cup of tea now and again with one constituent and have talked about this issue.
"I think he recognises I'm quite supportive of it being used for pharmaceutical reasons and he would love me to be much more liberal about its recreational use."
Is there a debate for its legalisation for medical use?
ONE of the main arguments for legalising cannabis is for health reasons – in particular to reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
In 2012 a medical trial conducted by Plymouth's Peninsula Medical School, which was the biggest study of its kind in the UK, concluded marijuana does not halt the progression of MS.
Despite this, the £8m trial did find the main active chemical in cannabis tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, helped ease MS symptoms.
And academics at the university said at the time there may be some benefit to those at the lower end of the disability scale.
Laboratory experiments have suggested that certain cannabis derivatives may be neuroprotective – able to protect neurons from injury or degeneration.
In other studies conducted around the world, it has been found cannabis can help control epileptic seizures, stop cancer from spreading, and decrease anxiety.
What do the people of Plymouth think?
Charlotte Greer-Read took to the streets of Plymouth to ask city residents what they think of the controversial debate...
Andrew Putt, 43, a roofing merchant from Devonport said: "I don't have a personal experience as I don't do drugs. I don't know what harm it can do.
Despite this, the £8m trial did find the main active chemical in cannabis tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, helped ease MS symptoms.
And academics at the university said at the time there may be some benefit to those at the lower end of the disability scale.
Laboratory experiments have suggested that certain cannabis derivatives may be neuroprotective – able to protect neurons from injury or degeneration.
In other studies conducted around the world, it has been found cannabis can help control epileptic seizures, stop cancer from spreading, and decrease anxiety.
What do the people of Plymouth think?
Charlotte Greer-Read took to the streets of Plymouth to ask city residents what they think of the controversial debate...
Andrew Putt, 43, a roofing merchant from Devonport said: "I don't have a personal experience as I don't do drugs. I don't know what harm it can do.
"If it is harmful to people it shouldn't be legalised. When I lived near people who did drugs, it opened my eyes.
"It's not nice to see, but maybe they were doing more serious drugs than cannabis."
Graham Hartley, 36, a househusband from Torpoint commented: "I do agree that it should be legalised to be honest.
"It's not serious enough an offence for police to issue penalties for it. It is no more serious than tobacco.
"When it comes to things operating cars and things, it's similar to alcohol as it alters your state of mind. In that case you have to be aware of safety."
Sharon Hawkin, 45, a sales Assistant disagreed. She said: "I don't think it should be made legal. Cannabis is still drugs at the end of the day.
"Also the legal highs at the moment should all be made illegal."
One 77-year-old woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "I do agree with the fact that people should be able to use cannabis if they are ill.
"My nephew has MS and he used it and it was good because it made him feel better. I don't know anyone who takes drugs other than that. It can't do them any good."
Effi Lane, 21, a customer assistant from Coventry said it should be legal "in some cases".
She said: "It is illegal for a reason, but it doesn't stop people. I don't think people would get the thrill of it if it were legalised.
"That is half of the thing of it, as people do it because it's illegal. It's almost like a placebo effect because of this.
"If it was legalised, it wouldn't be as popular."
Mr Marley, who didn't want to give his first name, said: "I would disagree with legalising it. My son has used it and still does."
The 52-year old site manager, added: "It makes people so paranoid. [My son] has lost jobs through it.
"I've never taken it at all, but I have seen what it is like. It is worse than smoking.
"It depends on what quantities people take it in and how often, but surely if they are high the night before it is the same as driving when you were drinking the night before too?
"A test, like the breathalyser, should be introduced."
George Pike, a 21-year-old student from Somerset, wasn't bothered either way.
He said: "It is not something that I really care about. I wouldn't do it even if it was legal. But if it is good for someone's health I don't see much of an issue.
"Tax is important too. If there is a way that the government can tax it properly, then that would be good. But the whole thing is so underground that I think people will struggle to control it.
"I don't really see it as harmful to those who don't smoke it, if it is legalised – it is a personal choice. If you want to do it and risk harming yourself, it's up to you."
Sherrie Gregory, 52, is originally from Portsmouth but is currently living in Plymouth.
She said: "The thing I worry about is the impact it has on children, if they were to get hold of it.
"But, to be honest there are other risks for children too where they can pick up things they shouldn't have."
"It's not nice to see, but maybe they were doing more serious drugs than cannabis."
Graham Hartley, 36, a househusband from Torpoint commented: "I do agree that it should be legalised to be honest.
"It's not serious enough an offence for police to issue penalties for it. It is no more serious than tobacco.
"When it comes to things operating cars and things, it's similar to alcohol as it alters your state of mind. In that case you have to be aware of safety."
Sharon Hawkin, 45, a sales Assistant disagreed. She said: "I don't think it should be made legal. Cannabis is still drugs at the end of the day.
"Also the legal highs at the moment should all be made illegal."
One 77-year-old woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "I do agree with the fact that people should be able to use cannabis if they are ill.
"My nephew has MS and he used it and it was good because it made him feel better. I don't know anyone who takes drugs other than that. It can't do them any good."
Effi Lane, 21, a customer assistant from Coventry said it should be legal "in some cases".
She said: "It is illegal for a reason, but it doesn't stop people. I don't think people would get the thrill of it if it were legalised.
"That is half of the thing of it, as people do it because it's illegal. It's almost like a placebo effect because of this.
"If it was legalised, it wouldn't be as popular."
Mr Marley, who didn't want to give his first name, said: "I would disagree with legalising it. My son has used it and still does."
The 52-year old site manager, added: "It makes people so paranoid. [My son] has lost jobs through it.
"I've never taken it at all, but I have seen what it is like. It is worse than smoking.
"It depends on what quantities people take it in and how often, but surely if they are high the night before it is the same as driving when you were drinking the night before too?
"A test, like the breathalyser, should be introduced."
George Pike, a 21-year-old student from Somerset, wasn't bothered either way.
He said: "It is not something that I really care about. I wouldn't do it even if it was legal. But if it is good for someone's health I don't see much of an issue.
"Tax is important too. If there is a way that the government can tax it properly, then that would be good. But the whole thing is so underground that I think people will struggle to control it.
"I don't really see it as harmful to those who don't smoke it, if it is legalised – it is a personal choice. If you want to do it and risk harming yourself, it's up to you."
Sherrie Gregory, 52, is originally from Portsmouth but is currently living in Plymouth.
She said: "The thing I worry about is the impact it has on children, if they were to get hold of it.
"But, to be honest there are other risks for children too where they can pick up things they shouldn't have."
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