Why the Legalise Cannabis Alliance is now CLEAR – by Peter Reynolds
Peter Reynolds is a freelance writer and communications advisor. Having recently
worked for organisations including the British Army, Pinewood Studios and The
Independent, he is now writing his third novel. Peter was recently elected leader of
Cannabis Law Reform, formally known as the Legalise Cannabis Alliance. In this
post, Peter explains why they have adopted a new name, and how they have refined
their ongoing campaign to change the way that Cannabis is legally classified.
On Thursday, 24th March 2011, the latest ballot of the membership of the Legalise
Cannabis Alliance closed. By a two-thirds to one-third majority the members voted
to adopt a new constitution and to change the party’s name. From that moment on we
are known as Cannabis Law Reform or CLEAR.
We have moved away from the use of the word “legalise” because it is interpreted as
meaning a free for all. It scares people, particularly politicians and the media and we,
as a party, now understand that these are the people we need to influence if we are to
advance our cause.
We have also refined and sharpened our aims and objectives. They are now simple,
direct and clear:
1. To end the prohibition of cannabis.
2. To promote as a matter of urgency and compassion the prescription of medicinal
cannabis by doctors.
3. To introduce a system of regulation for the production and supply of cannabis
based on facts and evidence.
4. To encourage the production and use of industrial hemp.
5. To educate and inform about the uses and benefits of cannabis.
Medicinal cannabis is our spearhead. We seek an end to prohibition for everyone but
we demand immediate provision for those who need cannabis as medicine. It is an
obscene and evil shame on our nation that so many who suffer are in fear of arrest and
prison for using a medicine that transforms their lives.
We are building a new and effective brand and campaign to achieve these aims.
The people behind this campaign are reasonable, responsible, respectable members
of society from all walks of life and professions, but we are discriminated against
by an irrational and absurd policy. Cannabis is a wonderful thing. It is relatively
harmless but it is a psychoactive substance and needs to be respected. Its medicinal
value is unparalleled but it also offers wonderful recreational, spiritual and creative
nourishment. The relatively young science of cannabinoids now explains why
cannabis has been treasured and used by mankind since the dawn of time. Prohibition
is a ridiculous policy. The truth about cannabis is clear.
Despite the fact that most people in Britain have used cannabis to no ill effect and
that between two and ten million people have it as a regular part of their lives, the
cannabis campaign has so far failed to make any real progress. Now is when that
changes. The future of cannabis in Britain is CLEAR.
We have exciting campaigns on the way that communicate the scientific truth about
cannabis and demolish the scare stories and prejudice that is so widespread. We
will challenge the untruths and propaganda of our political leaders and the ridiculous
tabloid stories.
We will campaign for an end to the ludicrous waste of law enforcement resources on
cannabis. We want a regulated system of production that will put an end to organised
crime and the evils of violence and human trafficking, caused by prohibition. Our
campaign includes educating users about cannabinoid content, different strains,
varieties and methods of use.
We believe regulation will ensure quality, safety and restriction of sales to adults only. We also
have solid data that proves a tax and regulate regime in Britain would produce a net
gain to the economy of at least £6 billion per annum, freeing up police to concentrate
on real crime and massively reducing the harms caused by prohibition.
We will be fielding candidates in council and parliamentary elections all over the UK.
While we do not expect to win many seats, we intend our campaign to be given the
respect and attention it deserves, with the possibility of forming electoral pacts with
other parties who are prepared to sign up to our aims.
The truth about cannabis is CLEAR.
The CLEAR website at www.clear-uk.org is still under development. For more information, please visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/clearuk.
I am glad that they changed the name. I should say that the new name of the party is more pleasant to hear. They should continue to their advocacy and being affected by politics.
I certainly knew about a lot of this, but in spite of this, I still thought it had been practical. Great job!
Thats great im glad things are moving quickly. Really makes the intentions clear. I totally agree on the name change, Legalise makes people think criminals will be able to run riot, which will clearly not be the case.
imho If people were educated properly about the plant then legalisation would not scare them. Fight for the right for licences to grow and study cannabis (not just for GW Pharma), the resulting educational material would change attitudes. push the benefits, show them that recreational use is the smallest aspect of this amazing plant. huge cuts in NHS bills. relief from green taxes through carbon neutral, sustainable energy supply. overall lower taxes. it would justify the initial expenditure on new infrastructure, that which could not be adapted. do not ban, but do not encourage cannabis tourism and the coffeshop culture except for medical purposes, but acquisition of a good range of quality cannabis should be easy for uk domiciles from licensed shops run by growers for both recreational and medical strains. Everyone should be allowed to grow and distribute as much as they want, but only licensed growers should be allowed to actually sell and have commercial benefits due to quality control and tax reasons. I give it another ten years. keep up the good work.