I HAVE just read the comments by Alun Buffry regarding the couple who had cannabis in their home to help them with their medical conditions (LT Opinion, August 30).

A crime is a crime and all should be punished. His suggestion that it’s OK to take illegal drugs if you are not getting enough pain relief from prescribed drugs is totally absurd.

Arthritis is not an excuse to take illegal drugs.

It’s a known fact that cannabis leads to paranoia. Who is going to pay for medicines to treat that problem?

All criminal activity should attract a sentence, thus encouraging a community of law-abiding citizens.

Christine, Blackburn.