PROHIBITION HAS MADE DRUG ACCESS EASIER

"HEAR, HEAR" for Fred Fastier's comments on the failure of cannabis
prohibition ( ODT , 13.3.01). Significantly, here is a man who 27 years ago
recommended prohibition "only as long as this can be shown to be largely
effective", yet who now realises that it "has been unsuccessful, so we must
tackle the situation accordingly". To achieve the control it has "lost",
our Government needs to fully regulate the production and supply of
cannabis. This will reduce the price of cannabis significantly, providing
no incentive for gangs to trade. The sale of cannabis to minors will be
outlawed with licensed suppliers requiring proof of age to buy. Huge sums
of money will be diverted away from ineffective policing to more effective
drug education and rehabilitation.

Make no mistake: I don't want to see high-school-age kids (or younger)
smoking cannabis. Twenty years ago when I was a student it was uncommon to
come across dope at school - buying it was very difficult. Nowadays, I have
teenage nephews and nieces, and quite frankly the regularity and ease with
which they come in contact with it (not to mention the starting age) is
breathtaking. Prohibition, rather than discouraging our kids from taking
drugs, only makes it easier for them.

S. McIntyre

Christchurch