Pubdate: Wed, 07 May 2003 Source: Mandurah Mail (Australia) Contact: 2003, Mandurah Mail Website: http://mandurah.yourguide.com.au/home.asp Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2903 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/area/Australia DRUG BILL LABELLED "TROUBLE" DAWESVILLE MLA Arthur Marshall has labelled the State Government's proposal to decriminalise cannabis as "trouble" that "attacks the vulnerability of youth". Mr Marshall spoke passionately against the Bill that was passed in the Lower House last month. Its fate will be decided in the Upper House later this year. "To allow all West Australians to grow two marijuana plants in their backyard is just asking for trouble," he said. "It will lead to lower drug prices and increased availability. "Now regular cannabis users need go only into their backyards to ensure they keep getting those kicks. "I simply ask what two backyard plants will be worth on the street and what will they do to a youngster who wishes to experience with drugs; to the health and wellbeing of happy families; to the addicts who live next door; to the out-of-control home invasion statistics; to suicidal youth; and to youngsters who hear the wrong message when it is said that a little bit is okay." However, Mandurah MLA David Templeman said the opposition was using intimidation tactics to scare the public. He said his support of the Bill did not indicate a tolerance for substance abuse. "I don't walk away from the fact that cannabis is harmful," Mr Templeman said. "Ideally, no one in our society would use it but in reality there is widespread cannabis use. "I believe the new bill targets dealers specifically. The Opposition can go around and attempt to scare people by saying it will encourage drug use, but the reality is the current system is not working. "We're not going to sit back and do nothing about it. We are making a real attempt to improve the system. "It is important to remember police indicate support for this Bill." But Mr Marshall said a petition circulated by people in south Mandurah revealed 90 percent of the community was against the decriminalisation of cannabis. He said the State's mental health system was out of control and could not supply the necessary services to drug-affected youths. Mr Templeman said public education would follow if the Bill was passed through the Upper House. "Like any changes, people need to be aware of what the current system delivers," he said "This legislation means the actual two people who are cultivating and dealing are the ones held up accountable, first and foremost." - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk