Pubdate: Sat, 01 Jun 2013 Source: Manawatu Standard (New Zealand) Copyright: 2013 Manawatu Evening Standard Contact: http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1057 Author: Harry Cording Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n226/a09.html PROHIBITION HAS FAILED Grant Miller's pathetic attempt to justify cannabis prohibition ( Standard, May 27) ignores the most fundamental principles of justice and human rights, while making assertions which are not supported by any evidence whatsoever. To give just one example, he asserts that " ending prohibition of cannabis would naturally lead to more people trying it. The more people who try it, the more that become addicted". News flash, Grant - prohibition has not stopped anyone trying it, and it never will. As far as addiction is concerned, cannabis is less addictive than coffee - perhaps Grant thinks we should ban that too? His concern for " people at the bottom of the pile" would be better directed toward people whose lives have been damaged by the injustice of cannabis prohibition. And he would do well to remember that freedom of choice over what people consume is a basic human right. HARRY CORDING Auckland - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom