Pubdate: Tue, 05 Jun 2001 Source: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) Copyright: Allied Press Limited, 2001 Contact: http://www2.odt.co.nz Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/925 Author: Duncan Eddy CANNABIS INQUIRY HOLDS HOPE OF FAIR POLICY WHILE IT'S heartening to see the health select committee inquiry into cannabis policy is finally under way, your coverage of the inquiry ( ODT , 26.5.01) was potentially misleading. Contrary to your article, partial decriminalisation will not be the main legislative option under consideration by the select committee. The aim of this inquiry isn't simply to find a policy to replace the problem-ridden prohibition, but to find a policy which best reduces the harms associated with cannabis use. The instant fines system fails to solve many of the glaring problems inherent in the current policy. Ironically, South Australia's partial decriminalisation has resulted in more criminal convictions being issued to cannabis smokers from lower socio-economic backgrounds than ever before. Considering that the unnecessary criminalisation of cannabis users is the greatest harm associated with cannabis use, partial decriminalisation is an unsatisfying option. This inquiry offers New Zealanders the opportunity to benefit from a cannabis policy which is both fair and workable. It would be unfortunate if the end result was merely the replacement of one flawed policy with another. The cannabis law reform debate will not go away until a reasonable policy is put in place. The partial decriminalisation of cannabis quite simply doesn't cut the mustard. Duncan Eddy City Rise