Regrettably, and no doubt notwithstanding your best intentions, Channel 5 has failed you. Firstly, “skunk” is not a “derivative” of cannabis. It is simply a hybrid of Colombian, Mexican and Afghani landrace cannabis cultivars that have been grown for millennia and are themselves the result of many, many selections made by growers over many, many years. Developing cultivars according to our tastes, growing environment and increasing need for productivity is part of agriculture.
Secondly, hybridised cannabis has not been shown to be physically addictive. The “whacky baccy” as you endearingly call it—that which folks [of diverse footwear preferences] enjoyed in the 1960s—was predominantly imported hashish which, being a concentrate, invariably contained a higher percentage of cannabinoids than the strongest of cannabis flowers available on the market today. The whole “it’s not the same as the stuff we used to smoke” is a tired and discredited yarn.
Thirdly, your notion of “carte blanch” [sic] legalisation is, at best, wrongheaded. Currently cannabis, as an illegal substance in the UK, does not fall under any regulation schedule. Legalisation would cause it to be treated like other similar commodities whether that’s a medicine, herbal remedy or food and, thus, be subject to tight controls on quality and safety. Legalisation does not equate to a “free for all” — that’s more akin to the current state of affairs arising from its prohibition. Thus, I’m left a little unsure what you mean—in practical terms—when you refer to keeping cannabis within “legal boundaries”. How do those boundaries currently operate?
Fourthly and finally—should free-thinking adults really seek any “authority” to grow or use cannabis in the first place? Humans have benefited from cannabis for millennia and will continue to do so, regardless of permission being granted (or denied) from uninvolved and uninvited third parties. Cannabis grows all over the planet. Any attempt to prohibit it is utterly futile. Nepali farmers use it to help their cows get over diarrhoea. The ancient Greeks used to throw a few branches on the sauna coals. The Chinese have used it in medicines since the beginning of recorded time. What we have seen, across many jurisdictions, is the abuse of anti-cannabis laws to target otherwise peaceful and law abiding people involved with, as just one example, the environmental or anti-war movement.
I believe that the notion of “illegal plants” in any so-called civilisation is, in itself, obnoxious and absurd. What we need is more understanding — primarily as a result of direct experience rather than second-hand propaganda spewed out by the broadcast media.
In any case, Graham, may I wish you a very peaceful and happy day in the beautiful Charente and I hope that you will consider my response in the open-minded, accepting and friendly spirit it’s intended.