'CANNABIS VOTE NOT THAT OF COMMUNITY'

The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party is annoyed the Waimate community were
not consulted before councillors supported moves to stop cannabis
decriminalisation.

Former candidate for the party Christine Mitchell, from Waimate, and party
deputy Jeanette Saxby spoke to councillors yesterday, trying to persuade
them to reconsider their stance against legalising the drug.

The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis party is pushing to have decriminalisation
of cannabis debated in Parliament.

Ms Mitchell was upset that last month the council voted to support the
Mayors Against Marijuana Decriminalisation campaign, opposing any changes
to the law.

"I feel the community were consulted about things like our rubbish
collection, but not about this possible law change."

Ms Mitchell felt her rights as a ratepayer had been breached because
councillors had chosen to speak for her.

"I feel the councillors do not have a right to speak for the community on
this issue. The cannabis debate should be discussed so people can form
their own opinions."

Ms Saxby said the council were not representative of the Waimate community.

"You are all men and all of a certain age. You can't speak for your community."

She did not believe in the drug's promotion, but said people over 18 should
be able to grow and smoke the drug for their own use. She proposed laws
similar to liquor.

The councillors have no plans to withdraw their support for the campaign to
take decriminalisation off the Government's agenda.

Mayor David Owen was concerned research indicated cannabis use led to more
domestic violence and increased road accidents.

Cr Charles Grigg said making cannabis legal made it more readily available
and acceptable.

"It would be a backward step in my view."

Cr Ian Moore said from a health perspective he could see no benefits to
legalising cannabis.