Home Office Drug Strategy Blog – Brokenshire The Buffoon
James Brokenshire introduces the new Home Office drug strategy blog here.
It is difficult to contain the contempt in which I hold this odious and dishonest little man. His brazen cheek in believing that he has anything of honour or relevance to publish on the internet is astounding. Is he really so isolated in his ivory tower that he doen’t realise how much he and his polices are despised and reviled? Does he not know that he is subject to intense ridicule and disrespect at his absurd ideas and propaganda? Doesn’t he know that he is universally regarded as a complete prat – by all his colleagues, doctors, scientists, members of the ACMD, everyone who comes into contact with him?
This is my comment. I did my best to restrain myself and stay polite. I wonder whether it will be published?
There are many, many things wrong with Britain’s drug strategy. We now have one of the most regressive, authoritarian and oppressive drug policies anywhere in the world. Only in places where they execute people for drug possession such as Malaysia or China are there more backwards, unjust and outdated ideas being implemented.
No omission or error is more heinous though than the failure even to mention the medicinal use of cannabis. With the new understanding of the endocannabinoid system and its vital importance to all aspects of human physiology, the power of cannabis as medicine is self-evident. Throughout Europe, doctors are able to prescribe medicinal cannabis to patients. Extraordinary results are achieved in multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, Crohn’s, cancer, ADHD and many other conditions. Meanwhile the British government continues with what can only be described as its inane response that “there are no medicinal benefits in cannabis”. It is not just a stupid policy. It is cruel. Hundreds of thousands of British citizens are denied access to the medicine that could relieve their pain and suffering. Meanwhile, in virtually every other country in Europe except France, in Israel and in 15 US states, cannabis is being used as medicine and achieving wonderful results.
Those denied their medicine in Britain are humiliated that European patients can bring medicinal cannabis into Britain and use it under the protection of the Schengen Agreement. This is a cruel and unusual punishment for the crime of being resident in Britain.
The British drug strategy is a joke throughout the world except amongst those agencies and drug workers that depend upon it for their living. It is a shame on our great nation and an extreme indictment of our political system which allows such discredited, cruel and self-defeating policies to persist.
The prohibition of medicinal cannabis is perhaps the best example of how utterly useless, out of date and hopeless is current government drugs policy.
Peter Reynolds 
Now that was well written, I agree, I would like to ask the politicians myself what the hell are they playing at. I can’t get my head round there views at all.
James
March 7, 2011 at 10:13 pm
Excellent comment, Peter. Brokenshite makes Alan Johnson look half-intelligent.
pjmcneill
March 7, 2011 at 10:23 pm
This man is a complete prick. His ever failing policies only make bad people rich and criminalise non-violent drug takers.
I still can’t fathom why there is not a sensible policy aimed at decriminalising possession and regulating supply. Sure, still lock away drug dealers but stop criminalising young people who take drugs and dont hurt anyone.
Biologist078
March 7, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Once I’ve cut-n-pasted some of the corperate info from the GW Pharma’ website stating the licensed research and potential use of cannabis – I’ll be arguing that herbal cannabis should be schedule-4 to enable clinical trials and potential medicinal uses.
Small steps – reschedule from “no medicinal benifit” first then if that works go for perscriptions etc…
Mr Bimble
March 7, 2011 at 10:46 pm
i couldnt agree more peter….i am one of those medical users whos life has been transformed over the last 4 months…after replacing sevaral of the medications i have been taking for spondylosis and intermittent claudication with herbal cannabis and with the full suport of my gp….its not about our wellfair its all about money and in my heart of hearts i dont think that will change anytime soon.
dave
March 7, 2011 at 10:48 pm
Is your GP up for writing you a prescription for Bedrocan as explained here?
https://peterreynolds.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/legal-opportunities-for-medicinal-cannabis-users
Peter Reynolds
March 7, 2011 at 10:52 pm
last time i visited my gp i gave her all the infomation on bedrocan and the company the produces the cannabis however she did say she couldnt perscribe it as it was ilegal but would give me any assistance she can in providing infomation for a dutch gp to perscribe it for me. This was befor i started my dotox and she may of been a little sceptical just how far i would get with comming off some of the drugs i have been on for years but im doing better than first thought and what i thought would take 12 months in comming of the drugs will only take 5… i have an appointment next week to give an update so i will tackle her again about it.
dave
March 7, 2011 at 11:16 pm
Just a thought Dave, you could try asking for a private prescription – might be the NHS script she is having a problem with. In theory a Dr can prescribe any medicine they think will help. I wish you every success.
Peta
March 8, 2011 at 11:01 am
May draw your attention to a very good film “Medicinal Cannabis and its impact on Human Health” http://marijuanamovie.org/. In my opinion it should be required viewing.
Peta
March 8, 2011 at 12:18 pm
I know that I consider myself normal, not that I know how a mentally unstable person would consider himself, whether he would be aware of being ‘psychotic’ or indeed consider himself also to be normal so maybe I should just get to the point before we even begin debating as to what ‘normal’ is exactly, lol?
While I was introvert-ally examining myself and shaping the conclusion that cannabis feeds my mind , soothes my aches, invigorates my thought processes, it stimulates my sense of curiosity, my desire to learn.
I also have noticed of late an ever growing feeling of discontent, nothing to do with cannabis, not even cannabis soothes this feeling of general unrest, I do not have peace of mind and it’s because I have so many unanswered questions whirring around my head accumulating and clouding my thoughts, questions such as :
where is the justice in bankers celebrating huge bonuses and enjoying fairy tale lifestyles while we are raped in a vein attempt to plug their financial hole?!
Why am I paying more VAT on necessities while corporates pay what they see fit and escape billions in due tax every year?
Prohibition is organised crimes wet dreams and we haven’t reduced demand or supply so how long will we waste billions for no result?
why should I get up in the morning if I feel like a slave to a system that totally abuses my human rights?
It is illegal for the public to pay the private sectors debts! It is these injustices I can’t resolve in my head, it’s the totally corporate blood stained politics of today that cause psychosis, realising you can’t trust politicians to act in my best interest, the feeling of my freedom slipping away not a therapeutic product of nature, a product that helped put the great in Britain!
That is why it is illegal and why they will pretend to be dumb and dumber for as long as it takes while they legislate to protect their corpirate friends.
Pistils@dawn
March 7, 2011 at 11:13 pm
This is my comment. I don’t suppose they’ll post this, either:
Although this piece is entitled Drug Strategy Blog, you very soon refer to alcohol, as opposed to “drugs”, which I assume is your description of currently-illegal psychoactive substances.
Having made this distinction, you go on to say that it is your intention to reduce the demand for “drugs”, but say nothing about reducing the demand for alcohol, which is one of the most dangerous drugs (by normal definition) available.
But, of course, alcohol is legal, and is OK, whereas “drugs” are illegal, and thus are BAD.
However, you did bring alcohol into a “drugs” blog, so maybe you do understand that alcohol is just another “drug”.
Come on, James, you should be catching on by now: I believe it’s called “joined-up thinking”. Some drugs are very harmful, but are legal, and some drugs are much, much less harmful, but are illegal.
Now start thinking about applying this knowledge to your drugs strategy.
pjmcneill
March 7, 2011 at 11:14 pm
Love it pjmcneill! Hope it gets posted.
Peta
March 8, 2011 at 6:00 am
Thanks, Peta
Well, they didn’t post it, but I see that “jim” made the point more concisely (and less sarcastically) before I did, and they posted his comment.
pjmcneill
March 8, 2011 at 7:39 pm
In an ideal world the blog is swamped with emails they don’t want to post and they have to close it down. In reality I am looking forward to seeing some posts from people that the site is intended for. I think it’s hilarious!
Peta
March 8, 2011 at 7:49 pm
This is an interesting blog. I would like to say thank you for your effort. The situation in this country is extremely depressing. My recent experience having had to have several failed surgeries has led me to believe that someone who smokes cannabis should keep this to themselves even when they explain how important it is to know about any drugs you take and how this will not effect your treatment. Please don’t take this as advice though I am just expressing an opinion but I can’t help but feel it did affect my treatment for reasons I will not go into now.
I also remember overhearing while recovering in hospital a conversation about how we should have capital punishment in this country because cannabis makes people crazy. Apparently this was the case in the country the nurse came from. I did worry a little that my medical notes were there pointing out that I was one of those death deserving so called potentially crazy people. I hoped they did not also believe in vigilantism. This though was not even the reason why I believe my treatment was negatively affected, it was far more upsetting then overhearing these crazy (: opinions.
Anyhow my main point is that the governments ongoing hysterical propaganda may well be somewhat to blame for this. I guess you cannot necessarily blame someone for becoming a product of the propaganda they are constantly fed. On top of our enslavement to the financial services industry the future really does begin to look pretty depressing. It’s nice to see someone trying to tackle these issues. Sometimes they seem few and far between.
Skyan
March 8, 2011 at 12:49 am
Well according to the website there have been “0” responses so far, from that I can only assume that ALL the responses posted so far have been pointing out the error of Brokenshire’s policies. I assume they won’t be publishing the critical ones, and that leaves, err, zero supportive ones LOL.
I think I will go and post a comment pointing this out 😉
(Ten minutes later)
I have posted the following comment there…
“Hmmm, this blog is still claiming to have had zero responses, but I know for a FACT that at least two have been left, both of them pointing out the muddle-headed thinking behind your policy of persecuting only the people who use certain selected drugs, whilst encouraging the use of other more harmful drugs.
I have to assume that there have been no comments in support of your policies and that you have simply decided not to publish comments that do not do so.”
I don’t suppose for one second that they will publish it, but it might let them know that their blatant censorship is not going unnoticed.
Interestingly I tried several times to click through to their “moderation policy” page which is, of course unobtainable!
Dan
March 8, 2011 at 7:50 am
O.K. here’s an idea I will throw into the ring, please excuse me if it has been mentioned before. Most people believe that it is the government who set policy. However anyone who has worked in the civil service will know that it is senior civil servants who control what ministers are shown and can manipulate the findings of reports, commisioning of reports etc. to steer ministers in any way in which they see fit.
In short I believe we need to be influencing the non elected officials just as much as the elected ones.
The permanent secretaries, the heads of departments and so on.
Dan
March 8, 2011 at 7:59 am
I think you’re absolutely right Dan. That’s what accounts for the dunderheaded consistency of Home Office denial of science and propaganda. I am sure there is some particularly rabid prohibitionist in a very senior role who prevents any intelligent modification of policy.
Peter Reynolds
March 8, 2011 at 8:11 am
I remember Julian Critchley talking about ‘most experts agree’ that prohibition has failed.
I personnally believe that most civil servants, think that prohibition is an utter disaster. Most politicians would agree in private as well.
It is the public that needs to be convinced. Once that happens the politicians will fall in line.
Rory
March 8, 2011 at 10:05 am
Here is my comment to brokenbottle.
‘Dear Mr Brokenshire,
I am 30 years of age and have been smoking cannabis on a daily basis for 14 years. I hold a 2nd class Honours degree and an MSc. I am married with a 3 year old daughter, a Cocker Spaniel, two cats and 27 tropical fish. I own two fully insured and taxed cars. I have been employed full-time by a large organisation since 2004 and have never claimed any form of unemployment benefit. In January 2008 I bought my first house – a three bedroom terrace in sunny Surrey. My wife works full-time and also holds an Honours degree – her preferred drug is red wine.
Could you please explain: why it is necessary for me to meet unregulated profit hungry drug dealers in order to purchase cannabis? Why you think you have the right to tell me that it is wrong for me to want to smoke cannabis? On what proven evidential basis do you say that cannabis is harmful? How long the failed policy of prohibition will be pursued by this Government?
I look forward to receiving your responses.’
Sulla
March 8, 2011 at 8:21 am
to sum up what wanted to say took 4 letters !
boss
March 8, 2011 at 9:25 am
thank you Peter for highlighting the existence of this site.
Ive just seen that Steve Rolles has a comment up. mine is below – thought im not confident it will go up;
“15 states in the USA have legalised cannabis for medical use. This means that patients that used cannabis to ease their pain no longer need to fear arrest.
And yet we continue to arrest patients that do the same here.
I would like the Government to justify why patients should be arrested, when patients can prove no other drug works for them.
Further more, I would like the Government to answer this:
Do they truly believe that all drug users should be subject to arrest?
If so, what does this say about the politicians that have admitted to using drugs in their youth? And lastly, why should anyone be arrested now, when those politicians got away with it?”
Rory
March 8, 2011 at 10:02 am
Just to let you know that the “moderation policy” can be accessed by clicking on “making a comment” at the top of the blog.
Gart Valenc
http://www.stopthewarondrugs.org
Gart Valenc
March 8, 2011 at 10:29 am
I suspect the primary focus for this site will be a means for people to tell James how good his strategy is, lets hope he is throughly disappointed!
They want comments from “Key Delivery Partners”, so I’m glad to see that Transform have managed to get the first comment up. I’d also love to see a response from Professor Nutt’s new organisation…
Bob
March 8, 2011 at 11:04 am
Just like the your freedom website. They are not interested unless you agree with them.
ArchitectNZ
March 8, 2011 at 12:36 pm
This would be a good opportunity to send emails and make phone calls to the Home Office asking for an explanation as to why comments are not getting published. They will surely direct any questions to their “moderation policy”, but at least they will know how disappointed we all are with their blog and their policies.
Gart Valenc
http://www.stopthewarondrugs.org
Gart Valenc
March 8, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Done.
dump_pharma
March 8, 2011 at 2:45 pm
I have just posted this comment as a reply to David Oliver’s in turn comment on Steve Rolles’ comment:
@ David Oliver,
I would appreciate it if you could let us know whether your «evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness and value for money of the Drug Strategy» will be as thorough and comprehensive as the Impact Assessment made on this very 2010 Drug Strategy?
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/drugs/drug-strategy/impact-assessment?view=Binary
Gart Valenc
http://www.stopthewarondrugs.org
Gart Valenc
March 8, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Straight from the horese mouth. well the last comment on the page
“This Government does not believe that liberalisation and legalisation are the answer and this blog is not intended to be a discussion forum around the drugs legal framework, on which this Government has already made its position clear.”
yup the position is clear. They refuse to listen
Dump_pharma
March 8, 2011 at 4:03 pm
“David Oliver – Head of Drugs and Alcohol Unit said…
March 8, 2011 14:40
There have been a number of posts along a similar theme, advocating liberalisation and decriminalisation as a way to deal with the problem of drugs…”
”
This Government does not believe that liberalisation and legalisation are the answer and this blog is not intended to be a discussion forum”
How throughly depressing. This is what we are up against! All drugs (well the currently classified ones at least)are the same! Bandied together like a group of mercenaries, no real distinction between them. Just one big Problem. Not based on HARM at all…
Alcohol is only recreational Drug the UK citizens are allowed. Which is a shame as I don’t drink (although my doctor has suggested I try for my sleep disorder)
Bob
March 8, 2011 at 4:14 pm
This is nothing but a Home Office propaganda effort that is doomed to fail.
Peter Reynolds
March 8, 2011 at 4:44 pm
I couldn’t agree more, Peter. This is another example of the disgraceful way those in public offices treat those whom they are supposed to represent. We are supposed to be a highly sophisticated democracy, and instead of enjoying all sort of channels to make our voices heard, we are treated with contempt, our concerns ignored and our demands brushed aside.
By the way, have you received a response to the letter you mentioned in your post: Don’t Let Cameron Get Away With His Untruths About Cannabis. Write A Letter!
Gart Valenc
http://www.stopthewarondrugs.org
Gart Valenc
March 8, 2011 at 5:21 pm
David Oliver has cut and pasted most of his answers pretty much word for word straight from the Strategy!
His first answer is from page 25.
“The Government is currently developing an evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness…”
and
“This Government does not believe that liberalisation and legalisation are the answer” from page 2
Its a long road ahead…
I wonder if David Oliver wrote most of the strategy and the ministers just signed it off… The UK’s very own Anslinger in the shadows… He might just be sticking very very rigidly to the party line though.
Bob
March 8, 2011 at 5:45 pm
My response to Mr. Oliver’s statement:
“With all due respect, and knowing your policy position, why do you not “believe”? Why can’t policy be directed by fact, science and evidence as opposed to ministerial ‘belief’?”
Buuut, I think they’ve closed the commenting on that thread… someone is going to have a hard time moderating that site/blog with all the pro-reform people refuting nearly everything they say!!
Jake
March 8, 2011 at 10:39 pm
“The blog will close on Monday 21st March. We will evaluate the pilot and review the possibility of running it on a more permanent basis in the future. Once we’ve evaluated how it’s worked we’ll post the conclusions and any future plans for the blog on this website.”
I believe a swift closure of the blog after ‘concerted spam attacks by pro-drugs organisations’ or some such bollocks. Then we might see them cherry pick some quote or other from a post in a few months.
Sam
March 8, 2011 at 11:39 pm
Much like you and your so called ‘efforts’ then.
You do not represent me, as a Cannabis user, if you claim to do so then I shall be sending you a writ.
Please Peter, desist from telling the world that you “represent the 6 million or so Cannabis users in this country”.
How many, in actual fact, do you represent?
tom
March 21, 2011 at 11:38 pm
That’s constructive Tom…
I think you need to relax!
In my opinion we should support people like Peter as much as we can, and certainly not berate them! He is one of the good guys!! Save your anger for the Home Office and Mr Cameron!
Bob
March 22, 2011 at 11:43 am
Peter is only interested in one thing, Peter.
I have met people like him before, if he doesn’t like the way you take an argument he will just move the goalposts, he should be in the Home Office….
Believe me, I have suffered because of the drug policy this country has had over the last thirty odd years, I am about to suffer again, possibly more than ever, and it won’t be just me either, my 2.4,8 and 10 year old children will suffer as well, as will my wife, all for 5 or 7 plants, depending on which statement you read.
So please, don’t tell me to relax, not until you have been in prison for Cannabis, not until you have faced the threat of losing your house and possibly going to prison again.
tom
March 29, 2011 at 6:06 pm
I take considerable offence at that Tom – deep, personal offence. I devote most of my waking hours to fighting this cause, principally on behalf of medicinal users. I take no money for it. On the contrary, many of the expenses and costs involved I meet out of my own pocket.
You catch me at a moment of particular exhaustion from working for CLEAR all over the weekend, yesterday until very late, all today and another 300 mile round trip tomorrow.
I don’t ask for anything in return but I will not take ignorant, self-centered abuse from anyone.
You owe me an apology. Frankly you need to stop whining. I know and work for people in far worse condition than you who don’t even have a family to comfort them. Just who the hell do you think you are?
Peter Reynolds
March 29, 2011 at 6:37 pm
I agree Bob. Peter is doing a great job and I don’t see anyone else stepping up.
Peta
March 22, 2011 at 12:28 pm
To provide some light relief in the midst of our ire and indignation, I thought I would post some anagrams of the man at the focus of our contempt:
Jerkier nob shames.
Shame jerkier snob.
Join berserk shame.
I’m a jerk – sheer snob.
Jerk bores in shame.
Heroin’s jerk beams.
He-man? Bossier jerk!
He is mean – jerk robs.
Man! He is sober jerk.
Jeers: “arse-knob him!”
Jerk? He remains. Sob.
His sober jerk. Amen.
Knob’s arse? Jeer him!
pjmcneill
March 8, 2011 at 8:29 pm
Magic!
Peter Reynolds
March 8, 2011 at 8:48 pm
Ta!
How about James Brokenshire, Drugs Minister:
Interbred jerk maims roguishness.
Jerkiest grime – moribund rashness.
Darn! Mushiest berserker jingoism.
Domineer as jerk – grim brutishness.
Sourish jerk stammers – inbreeding?
Junior stinkers shag dismemberer (just liked that one!).
Jingoism? Berserk intruder’s shame.
I’m jerkier. Smothering absurdness.
Oh Jesus! Interbred smear, smirking.
This snub-nosed, grim, smearier jerk.
Brassiness? I’m the joking murderer!
Jeer absurdest, shirking misnomer.
pjmcneill
March 8, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Everyone knows that its very easy to say bad things about this minister…………umm ……. ahhh … thats all
terry doherty
March 8, 2011 at 10:51 pm
I suspect that this is simply a way of the home office fore filling a key performance indicator ie. Engage the public in relation to drugs policy. Nothing more. It means nothing. They have simply completed a management task and can move on. This won’t change anything. Despite the purpose of a blog being an open forum for debate, their responses to certain predictable questions will be predefined. Your not engaging them, your simply speaking your heart only to have a predefined statement in response.
The only meaningful way of dialogg is in an open debate forum, face to face. This should be the right of groups regardless of the topic. Surely as a democracy this would be prerequisite in order to define living in a democracy?
Nick
March 9, 2011 at 9:50 am
May not engage them, but according to their comment guidelines they shouldn’t be stopping people with a pro-reform voice. This can be seen by the pro-reform comments that have gone up – and remember that its not in vain as it may sway/open the debate to fence-sitters and the uninformed who stumble across the ‘blog’, so we can still engage that way :-).
Jake
March 9, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Yes, and they must be getting hundreds of comments from people who think like us – at least they are having to read them all, in order to decide not to post them. More effective than posting on Comment is Free.
pjmcneill
March 9, 2011 at 6:37 pm
Your both right, I hope so anyway. Its easy to be a little pessimistic given their past record.
Nick
March 9, 2011 at 7:01 pm
hey I posted as well this is what i said
can I ask if David Oliver – Head of Drugs and Alcohol is a user of any substance himself including alcohol that helps him in his logic. the Government has not made its position clear to me I see the crime wave his policy’s are setting in motion what should I do ? shut up and know my place? I dont think so I got kids and I want a safe and free place for them to grow up in. so Please dont tell me to go away cause you dont like my question Open your eyes and do the right thing for us for a change
terry doherty
March 9, 2011 at 9:00 pm
It seems not true that a plague like the prohibition it is still there after almost 75 years, and so many people still loose their time to argue in its favor…it is a failure that’s it.
Marijuana seeds
March 30, 2011 at 4:25 pm
“The prohibition of medicinal cannabis is perhaps the best example of how utterly useless, out of date and hopeless is current government drugs policy.”
I completely agree and there is no need to say anything more.
Mitch
Mitch
October 8, 2011 at 10:51 pm
bonjovi
heggie
February 2, 2014 at 1:48 am