CANNABIS LAW CHANGES OPPOSED

The Waimate District Council has thrown its support behind moves to
stop the decriminalisation of cannabis.

The mayors of Hutt City and Marlborough have called for support from
fellow mayors in New Zealand to oppose any changes to the law.
National education spokesperson Nick Smith has also asked for support
of a petition by his party and the School Trustees Association to have
decriminalisation taken off the Government's agenda.

At yesterday's council meeting councillors voted to support moves to
stop decriminalisation.

Cr Ross Bell said the council should do anything possible to ensure
cannabis use was not increased in Waimate.

Cr Alister Wilson said the council should be listening and supporting
school principals, who knew the affects of drug taking on students.

In his letter to the council, Dr Smith said cannabis use adversely
affected educational achievement, increased the incidents of mental
health problems and increased the risk of road accidents.