DRUG GROUP AIMS TO TAP BILLIONAIRE

A group promoting cannabis law reform is seeking a donation of at least
$100,000 from the American billionaire who smuggled the drug into New
Zealand.

The Coalition for Cannabis Law Reform approached the 66-year-old through his
New Zealand lawyer this month, appealing for a substantial donation.

The billionaire escaped conviction after bringing more than 100g of cannabis
resin into the country during the America's Cup. He has permanent name
suppression and the Herald is fighting to overturn the ruling.

The coalition, launched yesterday, aims to promote debate on cannabis issues
and wants to end the criminalisation of cannabis use.

Seeking between $100,000 and $200,000, the group approached the billionaire
because he had previously funded a campaign to legalise cannabis for medical
purposes.

Spokesman Les Gray said: "That would definitely go a really long way. We
would like to have a full-time staff member."

Mr Gray was arrested in 1989 for possessing cannabis, after appearing on the
Holmes show to debate law reform.

While the coalition has yet to hear from the billionaire, it has approached
other groups in New Zealand and overseas for funding, including a cannabis
issues magazine in Canada.

Professor Max Abbott, dean of the health studies faculty at Auckland
University, backed the coalition yesterday, calling for immediate law reform
allowing the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use.

He believed a formal investigation into the economic, social and health
impacts of the law change should follow. "The fact is, the present law does
not work and is counterproductive."

State control of cannabis production and distribution was a possibility.