very interesting article, Lawnboy, thanks for posting.
Fact is, the current uk government are in a ridiculous position on the issue of drug classification. They forced Prof David Nutt out of his position as head of a supposedly independent drugs advisory committee for pointing out exactly this fact - that the uncategorised, freely available drugs alcohol and tobacco pose a greater risk of harm and addiction that the illegal, class A drugs ecstasy and class B cannabis. The move has backfired spectacularly because, as the article shows, people are actually more sensible than that.
Its an ongoing shambles, with a steady stream of experts leaving this committee, and leaving UK drugs policy in a complete and utter state of nonsense. In a few weeks, there will be an election; if the same government is returned, we expect no change, and more fumbling; but the main Opposition party are even worse, and are unlikely to bring in sensible legislation.
The rational model developed by Nutt with a team of experts, the one referred to in this article, is the only one that will work; because laws that don't make sense are ignored, forcing thousands into criminality. I'd liek to see a day when the current 'reefer madness' legislative framework is thrown out, replacing criminality with sensible regulation, education and licensing - exactly as we do with the more dangerous drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
"at journey's end, we must begin again"