I WAS interested to read the following in the Green Party manifesto.

It says: “Allow for licensed cannabis social clubs where adults can collectively cultivate and consume cannabis and allow adults to grow a limited number of cannabis plants at home”.

I think, however, they really need to take the green tinted glasses off when promoting the legalisation of cannabis.

A recent study in London found that 30 per cent of people who developed a psychosis would not have done so had they not smoked high potency cannabis.

In Amsterdam, where cannabis is now legal, the figure is even higher at 50 per cent.

Research shows that where cannabis is legalised it is generally followed by an increase in potency with the psychoactive substance, THC, reaching much higher levels.

In younger people psychosis can be particularly devastating and often stays with the person for life.

This led to Sir Robin Murray, professor of psychiatric research, King’s college, London, saying “Any government considering legalising cannabis for recreational purposes should factor in the extra costs of paying for more psychiatrists to look after the casualties”.

This isn’t to say, though, that cannabis can’t be used for medical purposes.

Canada, for some years now, has been using cannabis medicinally – the big difference being, THC is extracted before use.

We need a sensible and well-informed debate on drugs in this country.

Unfortunately, the Green Party manifesto is not a good starting point. Who knows what other surprises there are in this document?

Cllr Peter Atkinson

North Portslade