Pubdate: Fri, 29 Sep 2000
Source: Timaru Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2000 Timaru Herald
Contact:  PO Box 46 Timaru New Zealand
Fax: 64 3 688 1042
Author: Helen Pickering
Related: more on Australasia http://www.mapinc.org/aussie.htm

VOTERS TO GUIDE SUTTON ON CANNABIS DECISION

Aoraki voters' views on cannabis will guide Aoraki MP Jim Sutton on the way 
he votes, should there be a move to change its legal status.

Mr Sutton said yesterday that he welcomed an inquiry into cannabis use by 
young people.

He said the health select committee has decided to carry out an inquiry 
into "the most effective public health and health promotion strategies to 
minimise the use of and the harm associated with cannabis, and consequently 
the most appropriate legal status of cannabis".

Select committee chairperson, Judy Keall, said that the outcome of the 
inquiry could not be second guessed.

She said the subject needed serious discussion to build a consensus about 
what action should be taken.

Mr Sutton said that he did not support decriminalising cannabis.

"I think that anything that says to young people that smoking dope is okay 
will lead to a lot more lives blighted."

However, he said he had promised before the election to conduct a poll of 
Aoraki voters' views on the issue, should there be either a Government or 
private members bill introduced as a result of the inquiry.

"I expect there will be one and I will carry out my commitment," Mr Sutton 
said.

Submissions to the select committee can be made until February 7, 2001.
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MAP posted-by: Thunder