Pubdate: Tue, 11 Sep 2012
Source: Northern Star (Australia)
Copyright: 2012 APN News & Media Ltd
Contact: http://www.northernstar.com.au/contact/feedback/
Website: http://www.northernstar.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5149

EXPERT SUPPORTS LEGALISING DRUGS

A NORTH Coast addictive medicine specialist has supported a report
that recommends legalising cannabis and ecstasy for over 16s.

Prepared by the not-for-profit think tank group Australia21, the
report suggests prohibition of illegal drugs has failed, resulting in
"criminal elements" taking control of the manufacture and supply of
illegal drugs without strict quality control.

Northern NSW Local Heath District's addictive medicine specialist, Dr
David Helliwell and Nimbin Hemp Embassy president Michael Balderstone
said they supported the report's recommendation which would see
willing users recorded on a national confidential users' register and
able to buy drugs from approved suppliers, likely to be
pharmacists.

Both men said this was an issue of health and not criminality.

"This is the second report from this Australia21 mob, who are experts
. they are very strong about drug reform," Mr Balderstone said.

Dr Helliwell said decriminalising cannabis and ecstasy could result in
strict regulation and financial benefits for government, while
ensuring potency was regulated and users were kept safe.

In addition to strict regulation of the drugs, the government could
put in place counselling and education programs for drug users, he
said.

The reports also called for a national drug summit to be held next
year, something Dr Helliwell and Mr Balderstone support.

"Politically, they are very scared of making any change in this area,
despite successful programs overseas," Mr Balderstone said.

The report has also received support from Greens senator Richard Di
Natale, but yesterday the Gillard Government rejected legalising
cannabis and ecstasy.

A study published last month in the proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences revealed links between teenage cannabis use and
memory and intelligence problems in users by the time they reached
middle age.
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MAP posted-by: Matt