Pubdate: Tue, 27 Sep 2005
Source: Nelson Mail, The (New Zealand)
Contact:  2005 Fairfax New Zealand Limited
Website: http://www.nelsonmail.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1069
Author:  Duncan Eddy

NEW WAY NEEDED 'TO ADDRESS THE REALITY OF CANNABIS IN SOCIETY'

Sir,

Mail correspondent Brian Bird writes that legal age limits for 
cannabis use will be "unrealistic and difficult to enforce"(Mailbox 
23/09/05).  Readers should consider whether the current policy of 
criminal prohibition offers a more realistic or workable way of 
reducing youth use.

New Zealand's cannabis usage rates have increased steadily since 
1990. Prohibition isn't working, and a new way is needed to 
responsibly address the reality of cannabis in our society.

International evidence shows that a reduced focus on policing and a 
greater emphasis on education is achieving real results. Earlier this 
month, the UK's Department of Health stated that reported UK youth 
cannabis use fell from 13 percent to 11 percent following the 
reclassification of cannabis. This is the first reported drop in four years.

Most New Zealanders aren't phased by adults smoking a bit of pot. On 
the other hand, many people are concerned about the impact cannabis 
decriminalisation will have on youth.

It's only natural to be concerned about the impact of alcohol and 
other drugs on youth. But that shouldn't cause us to dogmatically 
hold on to unworkable policy at the expense of improving the situation.

The criminal prohibition on cannabis doesn't reduce cannabis use or 
abuse, and comes with serious social and financial costs.

yours,

Duncan Eddy
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake