Pubdate: Mon, 11 Apr 2016
Source: Dominion Post, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2016 The Dominion Post
Contact:  http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2550
Author: Victoria Davis

CANNABIS BAN ILLOGICAL AND CRUEL

It does not make sense that a country like New Zealand, which is at 
the leading edge of everything from rocket launches to mountain 
climbing, should be so woefully behind when it comes to cannabis realities.

With the "war on drugs" being called a total failure by the most 
prominent global experts, we are starting to look suspiciously 
resistant to dumping the expensive, ineffective prohibition of cannabis.

Are we happy to support overseas drug companies that sell cannabis 
pharmaceuticals for outrageous prices? Are we happy to deny suffering 
Kiwis the right to choose a drug that can give them relief? How cruel is that?

John Key seems to know as much about cannabis as he does about jihadi 
brides. He is refusing parliamentary discussion on cannabis law 
reform because he claims there are alternatives to cannabis.

He is wrong. It is a well-known fact that cannabis treats many 
ailments more more effectively than pharmaceuticals, often with more 
pleasant side-effects.

It is bad enough to have health problems; adding the stress of using 
a medicine that is illogically illegal is unnecessary for those 
already suffering.

Continuing the prohibition of cannabis is cruel and ignorant and 
fiscally unwise.

VICTORIA DAVIS

Golden Bay
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