Pubdate: Tue, 08 Jul 2014
Source: Mercury, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2014 Davies Brothers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.themercury.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/193
Author: Blair Richards
Page: 10

POT PROBE TO CREATE HUGE STIR

A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry into legalisation of cannabis for medical 
purposes is expected to receive a huge response when it opens for 
submissions this week.

A major Tasmanian poppy processor yesterday voiced support for a 
trial despite the State Government citing poppy industry opposition 
as one of the reasons for opposing any trials.

TPI Enterprises managing director Jarrod Ritchie said yesterday he 
could not understand the Government's logic.

The Cressy-based company makes poppy straw concentrate.

Mr Ritchie said he could not understand why poppy growers' 
representatives would oppose a Tasmanian trial.

"Given the expertise we have with narcotics, which it could be argued 
are more dangerous than medicinal hemp or THC, I would be surprised 
that we wouldn't at least look at it," Mr Ritchie said.

"There's already an industry globally . . . Canada and the UK are 
already producing it. This is another own goal for Tasmania. Someone 
will do it, whether it's another state or another country, why 
wouldn't we do it?"

Independent MLC Ruth Forrest said the announcement of the Legislative 
Council inquiry had already generated a significant response, mostly 
in favour of a trial.

Ms Forrest said the issue was well worth exploring in detail.

She said some people were concerned about the idea of a trial because 
they thought it would involve a move to legalise cannabis for recreational use.

Premier Will Hodgman said the Legislative Council had every right to 
hold an inquiry but the Government was sticking by its decision not 
to hold a trial.
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