Pubdate: Wed, 28 Nov 2001 Source: West Australian (Australia) Copyright: 2001 West Australian Newspapers Limited Contact: http://www.thewest.com.au Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495 Author: Wendy Pryer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) USER AVOIDS STAIN OF CONVICTION REGULAR cannabis user Michael says he will be more likely to grow the drug in his backyard if he is not punished with a criminal record. Under State Government reforms announced yesterday, Michael, 31, faces a fine, but not a criminal conviction, for possessing 25g of cannabis, just less than an ounce, or growing up to two plants at home. The decision was part of the Government's response to 47 recommendations from the Community Drug Summit in August. All but one recommendation, a supervised drug injecting room, were accepted. Premier Geoff Gallop and Health Minister Bob Kucera said the Government would move immediately to soften cannabis laws. Other initiatives include a treatment centre for Aborigines and a treatment centre in the city for addicted teenagers. A prescription heroin trial will not go ahead, despite State support, because of Federal Government opposition. Michael, who has used cannabis since he was 16, admitted that the threat of a conviction had not stopped him growing plants at home in the past. He did not believe people would begin using cannabis just because of changes to the law. He did not believe it had harmed him, other than increased his risk of getting cancer. He supported a public education program so that people knew the risks of the drug. The 25g limit before recording a conviction was about right because users did not smoke that amount all at once, he said. In 2000-01, 75 per cent of drug offences related to cannabis use. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh