Pubdate: Mon, 03 Oct 2011
Source: Bay Of Plenty Times (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2011 Bay Of Plenty Times
Contact: http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/feedback/letters-to-the-editor/
Website: http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2926
Author: Dr Tony Farrell

POLITICIANS HYPOCRITICAL OVER MARIJUANA LAWS

The responses from John Key and Simon Bridges to Don Brash's comments 
on decriminalising cannabis have certainly been emotive.

John Key: "There's no place for drugs in our society. We've got to 
stand up and say we don't want drugs."

I would note that the Prime Minister likes wine and has personally 
blocked any moves to restrict access to it, or put the price up.

Mr Bridges has also revealed himself a prohibitionist - at least as 
far as cannabis goes.

The problem here for Mr Bridges is that cannabis is a low to moderate 
risk substance yet at the same time, he is very soft on that far more 
dangerous drug, alcohol.

Even more confusing, Mr Bridges turns and labels addiction specialist 
Professor Doug Sellman, as being "almost a prohibitionist" for 
suggesting we follow a number of rather mild WHO policies which would 
reduce alcohol harm.

Outstanding inconsistency from both politicians.

Dr Tony Farrell,

Mount Maunganui
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