The word "drug" immediately conjures up negative and prejudiced views about cannabis (Topic of the week: the war on drugs, Letters, November 15). It should be referred to by what it is, a herb, which would quickly help it to be viewed in a more reasonable and sensible light.

Queen Victoria's physician said that cannabis was the best, most beneficial medical herb on the planet; he used to prescribe it to Queen Victoria to help ease her pain. The sensible step to take with regard to cannabis is to relax the law.

Sandra Busell

Edinburgh