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The government has moved to crush a 200,000-strong petition to legalise cannabis before it's even been debated.

Activists hailed a victory when the huge campaign became the second-most popular cause on a new government website - beaten only by a bid to sack Jeremy Hunt.

It flew past 100,000 signatures, forcing a debate by a committee of 11 MPs when they return from their summer holidays in a few weeks.

The Tory administration has now issued a thundering reply which says it has no plans to end the war on drugs.

They're supposed to reply before a debate takes place, but the strength and tone of ministers' opposition could see the petition blocked before reaching the Commons chamber.

That's because it has to pass through two Tory-dominated committees before being opened to all MPs, competing with other causes for valuable airtime.

(Image: REUTERS/Parbul TV via Reuters TV)

The government's official reply admits legalising the drug could boost the taxman but says there would be other costs around enforcing the rules.

It adds the UK's drug policy is clear, saying: "Substantial scientific evidence shows cannabis is a harmful drug that can damage human health.

"There are no plans to legalise cannabis as it would not address the harm to individuals and communities.

"Cannabis can unquestionably cause harm to individuals and society.

"Legalisation of cannabis would not eliminate the crime committed by the illicit trade, nor would it address the harms associated with drug dependence and the misery that this can cause to families."

Former top cop and Lib Dem peer Brian Paddick has already led a bid to legalise all drugs claiming the 'war' has failed.

(Image: PA / Getty)

He tried in vain to demolish the government's legal highs bill, which will jail suppliers of substances like laughing gas and 'poppers' for up to seven years.

He told Mirror Online the government "seems to be hell-bent on ignoring the scientific evidence" after cutting out the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

"Many people buy legal highs now," the ex-Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner told the House of Lords.

"They like what they do to them, and their use is increasing.

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"If the Bill passes, the only way they can get psychoactive substances and be sure that they are not breaking the law is to go to a local drug dealer.

"These drug dealers could just as easily sell me highly addictive class A drugs... It would make no difference to the dealer if he were to be caught.

"We need a new approach: a health-based approach that will genuinely reduce the harm caused by drug misuse."

Labour leadership frontrunner Jeremy Corbyn also called for cannabis possession to be legalised in a 2000 bid which said it was no more harmful than alcohol or tobacco.

And the Bill has prompted a 1,000-strong petition to test all MPs' blood for 'mind-altering substances'.