THE debate over whether or not the Government should legalise cannabis has lured more than 250 students - including a vicar - into joining a university society.

Just two weeks since the launch of the Legalisation Of Cannabis Society ( LOCSOC) at York University has become the third largest independent body on campus.

Making clear they "do not promote the illegal use of drugs" the six co-founders are looking to open a forum for debate on the issue under the banner "no victim, no crime".

"This is about offering people a chance to air their views," said 20-year-old history student Matt Lea.

"There are non-smokers, who have joined us and we have attracted interest from the academic staff here as well."

The society's confidentiality rules meant they were unable to give details of the clergyman, who has joined them.

Membership for the society costs a mere £2 and the group are to hold a variety of events to raise additional funds.

The society, which produces a newsletter and is organising a trip to Amsterdam, is seeking ratification and subsequent funding from the Students' Union.

They are also hoping to entice Anne Widdecombe, president of the University's debating society, into talking at one of their regular meetings.

In their latest newsletter, Lucid, the group claim: "The law (on cannabis) is an ass. It must be changed.

"The prohibition of cannabis is only possible as long as people remain ignorant, either through choice or through force.

"If LOCSOC is about anything, it is about encouraging people to think."

Sue Hardman, academic registrar at the university, said: "Providing they are working within the law, they are free to campaign like any other group."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "For hundreds of years, students have been at the forefront of debate and they are the opinion-formers of tomorrow."

The three founders of the society, who the Evening Press interviewed, said "it was irrelevant" whether they themselves were users of cannabis.

dan.rutstein@ycp.co.uk