CANNABIS INQUIRY FOCUSES ON DECRIMINALISATION

An inquiry that could lead to the decriminalisation of cannabis begins
tomorrow.

At the same time as the Government is considering tougher rules for
cigarette smokers, it is embarking on a controversial review of cannabis
laws, with decriminalisation the main option being debated.

The option is strongly opposed by schools, and has attracted more than 500
submissions to the health select committee from pro-cannabis and
anti-cannabis lobbyists.

The inquiry follows a 1998 health committee investigation into the health
effects of cannabis, which supported decriminalisation.

Rastafarian Green MP Nandor Tanczos said yesterday that if less money was
spent policing cannabis use, more could be spent on cannabis education and
rehabilitation.

"Prohibition is a total failure in achieving any of its stated goals.
Cannabis use and abuse is rife and we are hearing more and more stories of
younger and younger children using it," Mr Tanczos said.

"Some people use that as an excuse why we shouldn't change, but the fact
that things are so bad is a clear indication that we absolutely must change."

New Zealand had one of the highest rates of cannabis use in the world, he said.

Studies had shown that 52 per cent of 15-to-45-year olds admitted having
used cannabis; the rate in Holland was 16 per cent.

"If we are concerned about the abuse of cannabis and other drugs, the
answer doesn't lie in making people criminals. The answer lies in good
education and in providing rehabilitation services for those who need
help," Mr Tanczos said.

New Zealand spent 10 times more money policing cannabis than it spent on
education and rehabilitation, and usage had increased about 20 per cent in
the past 10 years, he said.

The inquiry will look at the best ways of reducing the use and harm
associated with cannabis and the most appropriate legal status.

Decriminalisation would make possession of cannabis a ticketed offence,
like speeding.

Submissions are expected to be heard tomorrow from the Green Party, the
Legalise Cannabis party, pharmacy representatives and school representatives.

The inquiry comes at the same time as the Government prepares to get
tougher on smokers with a bill that would make half of all bars and eating
places smoke-free.

Prime Minister Helen Clark rejected yesterday any conflict.

"They are both drugs. One is legal and one is illegal to use ... there are
a whole lot of anomalies around the way the Government regulates drugs,"
she said.