Pubdate: Wed, 19 Mar 2003
Source: West Australian (Australia)
Copyright: 2003 West Australian Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.thewest.com.au
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495
Author: Niall Young
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n395/a02.html

I WAS said to hear of M. Simms' experience with youth suicide (Dangerous 
drug, 13/3).  It is obvious that prohibition has failed in discouraging our 
youth and the mentally ill from using cannabis.

Under prohibition, minors can buy illicit drugs far easier than regulated 
substances like alcohol and tobacco.  Under prohibition, there are no 
warning labels or health information distibuted with cannabis.  Under 
prohibition, the stigma attached to cannabis use dissuades users from 
seeking medical advice or mentioning their intoxicant of choice to their GP.

Cannabis is not harmless - it should not be used by minors or those with 
mental health problems.  However, responsible cannabis use by consenting 
adults is far safer than the use of alcohol, let alone the majority of 
over-the-counter and prescription drugs.  Alcohol is abused throughout 
society, but we don't ban its sale or punish responsible alcohol users - we 
provide guidelines on how it can be used safely.  Not all drug use is 
abuse.  Adults who use cannabis responsibly should not be persecuted simply 
because a minority is guilty of substance abuse.

The most significant harm from cannabis is caused by prohibition: criminal 
records and a lack of accurate information, particularly on safer 
alternatives to smoking.  Cannabis users should not be given criminal 
records, let alone punished in the first place.

Niall Young

Mount Lawley
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