TERRY Smith seems to believe that the Government is going to outlaw cannabis (Letters, January 4). Funny I thought it already was.

Of course driving while intoxicated is irresponsible in the extreme, whatever substance it may be, but I'm afraid that the legality of the substance concerned has absolutely nothing to do with someone's ill-judged decisions.

There are at least four million people already using cannabis in this country and the prohibition laws are one of the biggest failures of modern times. While cannabis is illegal there can be no useful campaigns about driving under its influence.

It has not been proved to impair driving ability; in fact, several studies have suggested that its effect on driving is negligible when compared with alcohol - the legal destroyer of lives.

The coroners and police officers that talk about the "evidence" of its effects on driving would be hard pressed to find any meaningful research. So to continue to profligate this misinformation is irresponsible beyond words. Take that from someone who has 25 years research into cannabis and four years working in rehab.

The continued spin and propaganda of a "concerned" Charles Clarke, Home Secretary, seem to be misplaced, when you hear little of this concern about the 20 children a day admitted to hospital on mental health grounds after drinking alcohol.

Few things in life are free from harm. However, the overwhelming majority of cannabis users do no harm to anyone or to society. Why should society wish to do harm to them?

Steve Clements,

The Legalise Cannabis Alliance,

Asquith Avenue,

York.

Updated: 10:15 Saturday, January 14, 2006