SMITH SEES WIDE SUPPORT FOR DRUG BAN

School principals need no persuading that decriminalisation of cannabis
will be destructive to their students, National education spokesman Nick
Smith says.

After visiting Christchurch Girls' High School and St Andrew's College on
Thursday, Dr Smith said he had yet to meet anybody within the educational
sector who supported changing present cannabis laws.

In partnership with the School Trustees Association, National is promoting
a nationwide petition opposing decriminalisation.

"The greatest opposition is from school counsellors," Dr Smith said. "I've
been quite astounded by their passion in opposing even talk of changing the
law on cannabis," he said.

Dr Smith said a common theme in discussions was the number of bright third
and fourth formers principals had seen become no-hopers after becoming
cannabis users. Principals were also worried about the soft stance taken by
the Ministry of Education in material provided to schools.

Another pressing issue for principals was the extent to which cannabis use
was becoming endemic in families. Opponents of decriminalisation of
cannabis needed to do more than just criticise, he said.

"The challenge is to come up with a programme not so much for the schools
but one that provides resources to parents," he said.

Although principals needed no persuading, the aim of visiting schools
around the country was to ensure their voices were heard in the debate.

"Parliament is evenly divided and the voice of the educational sector could
be pivotal," he said.