Let them smoke dope
From David Hockney
Sir: Eric Ellis is way way off in his piece (‘The whingers of Oz’, 11 June). Why are the Australians angry? I would think it’s because the 20-year sentence passed on Schapelle Corby for smuggling marijuana is savage. No doubt Eric Ellis has never smoked any marijuana, but it is a harmless and pleasant plant that, like a couple of cocktails, makes you feel relaxed and, unlike them, quiet. Why is the stuff still illegal? I assume it’s the power of the alcohol lobby (commerce being behind most things).
Alcohol has damaged and killed friends of mine, but I’ve never known anyone harmed by the weed, whose relaxing pleasure I have enjoyed for 40 years, and tobacco (now another demonised natural thing) for 50 years. The demonisation of tobacco, by the way, is supported by the press (especially the Guardian) without debating the consequences. That everyone will be better off without tobacco cannot be proved. What takes its place? Antidepressants and other pharmaceuticals that have all sorts of side-effects and unknown long-term consequences. Of course the pharmaceutical companies are supporting the anti-smoking campaign.
The BMA is irresponsible for not seeing the consequences of its call for an outright smoking ban, which is to criminalise another industry. The increase in tobacco-smuggling has profound effects on attitudes to law and society.
The alcohol lobby, meanwhile, must have noticed lots of people at weekends just drink water, even in clubs; they don’t need alcohol because they have got something better. Alcohol causes more crime and deaths than any drug. Not that it should be banned. Like drugs, it’s pleasant, and when it was made illegal in America they just made their own.
The Australians should stand up for their freedoms and continue to support Schapelle Corby. They daren’t say marijuana is harmless, so I will, speaking from experience.
David Hockney London W8
Previous page
