Position statement on cannabis: A step forwards

Dr Scott's response to our position statement enables us to clarify our views to health professionals and the public. We agree with Dr Scott on several points. There is an increasing evidence-based consensus that policy on alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other substances should move from the 'war on drugs' towards a science-based public health approach (as was successful locally in addressing tobacco use). We agree that various substances differ in their associated costs and harms and that globally alcohol is a far more harmful substance than cannabis. We also agree that an approach to substances that emphasises harm reduction and human rights is also key, and that new local policies and programmes are urgently needed, given the enormous burden of disease caused by alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other substance use. Our position statement was developed with these in mind! We have also submitted to this journal a position statement on harm reduction to emphasise the importance of this approach to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other substance use from a public health perspective.