How refreshing to read that one of our elected representatives has called for a debate on the legalisation of cannabis ('Labour councillor calls for cannabis debate', Galway Independent, 21 November).

While I do not believe that Galway City Council would have much influence on the government on this matter, the more public figures that call for a rational debate on this matter, the better.

The present policy of prohibition of the most popular recreational drugs except alcohol is a disaster, which profits organised crime while criminalising many otherwise law-abiding citizens.

The most ethical course for the dope smoker at present is to grow their own, but this is punished more severely than mere possession.

What else is there to do in Connemara?