I see Home Secretary Alan Johnson has sacked his Drugs Advisor Professor Stephen Nutt over his recent statements about the reclassification of cannabis and the harmful effects of booze and fags compared to Ecstasy and LSD. The former Postman's union boss said:

"It is important that the Government's messages on drugs are clear and as an adviser you do nothing to undermine the public understanding of them. As my lead adviser on drugs harms I am afraid the manner in which you have acted runs contrary to your responsibilities."

So what Johnson is in effect saying is that we paid you for advice, but it wasn't what we wanted to hear so clear your desk. Seems about right for Nu Labour "We know better than you even if we are not scientists"

I read some interesting stuff today about how young people grow up to distrust the government when they are subjected to the general hysteria about drugs that millions of people use for recreational purposes with little negative side effect compared to the damage caused by smoking and drinking. Now I'm not saying that's the whole reason young people distrust the government, many politicians have not exactly covered themselves with glory with their recent expense claims for example.

I'm also not saying that all drugs are harmless, but to put things in proportion there are many things that people do that are potentially injurious to health including contact sports, flying, rock climbing, riding motorbikes etc but these are not forced underground. It is my contention that criminalising drug use makes the problem worse, lets bring it out in the open where people who want drugs can by them from licensed premises where they are not cut with harmful chemicals and they can get advice from the pharmacist on how to use them in a (more) responsible manner. Illegal drug dealers don't care who they sell stuff to so lets take them out of the equation altogether.