CALL FOR CLEAR DRUG MESSAGE

MPs advocating the decriminalisation of cannabis should stop sending
confusing messages to young people, a Christchurch drug educator has told
school trustees.

Youth Trust chairman Jeff McIntyre told delegates at the New Zealand School
Trustees Association's annual conference in Wellington on Saturday that the
debate about decriminalisation was causing problems for those trying to
discipline teenagers for drug use.

"Ever since decriminalisation has been proposed, teenagers have been
throwing it back in the faces of teachers, parents, and even the police.
They aren't aware of the proposed legal niceties, all they see is that it's
OK to use cannabis, MPs do and it's going to be made legal anyway," he said.

Politicians needed to listen to principals and teachers.

"These people are on the coalface dealing with kids who are using drugs and
they see the damage."