Ecstasy is not addictive

December 23, 2009

Dear Sir,

A quick comment on Bermuda's drug policy. In relation to the two articles on drug offences, why did one receive a substantial fine for marijuana (a very safe plant) and rolling papers, whereas the other offence relating to possession of a crack pipe and what should have been crack cocaine received a light fine? Are Bermuda's drug policies telling us to use harder drugs as the penalties are less harsh? Reading every week in this newspaper about Bermudians of all ages being fined or sentenced for simple possession of cannabis is getting very very tiring. Why doesn't the government wake up and realise that people do use weed, and the risks behind its use are far less than those associated with tobacco or alcohol.

Months ago, on an article featuring a debate on marijuana the interviewee claimed that Bermuda's weed is now being contaminated with MDMA (Ecstasy) and it's very dangerous and addictive. First of all, this is highly doubtful and probably false information. Here in the UK, the weed is sometimes contaminated not with MDMA, but silicon derivatives, even more dangerous. Secondly, having done MDMA I can truly tell you that it isn't addictive. And in the words of Professor David Nutt, who was recently fired by Home Secretary Alan Johnson for speaking the truth on the risks of drugs, 'taking MDMA is less dangerous than riding a horse'.

Now really, Bermuda does need to take a step forward and stop wasting time and resources with cannabis, it seems they should be considered with all the killings and gang violence. Perhaps decriminalising marijuana in Bermuda would lessen a lot of the tension between these gangs. Besides, a lazy (stoned) gangster is better than an active gangster!

BERMUDIAN FOR SENSIBLE DRUG POLICIES

City of Hamilton