SMOKING CANNABIS IS VICTIMLESS

IN HIS "PARENTING" column, Ian Munro ( ODT , 14.10.00) makes little sense
when he suggests that we should continue with prohibition in regards to
decriminalising cannabis. There is nothing selfish or self-centred about
wanting to update existing laws regarding harm minimisation and the use of
cannabis.

There is not strong community disapproval with regard to the smoking of
cannabis. In fact, over half of the adult New Zealand population has tried
it. The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party supports the establishment of a
regulated cannabis industry. We wish to state that we do not promote the
smoking of cannabis and want cannabis to have the same over-18 legal status
as alcohol and cigarettes.

Recreational drugs are part of our culture and cannabis is the second most
popular after alcohol. More damage is being done through criminalising
cannabis smokers than would occur under a legal cannabis system. Smoking
cannabis is a victimless crime and cannabis is according to the World
Health Organisation a relatively harmless substance. Cannabis smoking
should be made legal for those who wish to indulge as it is time for New
Zealand to adopt a more tolerant and progressive attitude in line with the
rest of the world.

Jeanette Saxby
Deputy leader, ALCP, Christchurch