A PARISH vicar has spoken out on the issue of cannabis use in society, while confessing his own personal problems with drugs as a young man.

The Rev Richard Deimel, of Studley Parish Church, said he did not believe casual users of cannabis should be treated as criminals.

His comments follow Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe's controversial idea of £100 on-the-spot fines for people found in possession of the drug.

Mr Deimel, 51, said: "I'm concerned about the general level of addiction of all sorts of things in society but can't honestly say I know the answer.

"I would say more research needs to be done into the issue of drug use.

"I read about some interesting research showing a link between cannabis and schizophrenia, so it's true to say I'm concerned.

"But to say that every cannabis user is a criminal is unrealistic."

Mr Deimel said his own use of cannabis and LSD in his early twenties left him depressed and suicidal.

He said: "I had a very empty life and didn't know where I was going and as a result was taking lots of drugs.

"I ended up depressed and suicidal and almost homeless on the streets of London.

''I was sleeping on friends' floors but running out of friends.

"Drugs can destroy you. I couldn't start the day without rolling a joint."

After four years of being hooked, Mr Deimel eventually felt a "spiritual awakening" and started exploring religion before deciding to enter the church.

"I started on a spiritual journey and that helped me off drugs, so I really want to help people as much as I can. But I don't think the answer is strict legal measures," he added.

"I'm not saying we need to legalise drugs but we need to prevent people abusing drugs and becoming dependent to begin with."