TIME TO DECRIMINALISE DOPE

THE war on drugs and hard-line law enforcement by governments has been
unsuccessful in dealing with the widespread use of drugs.

It is time to wake up and remove illicit drugs from the criminal arena and
address them as a health issue. Harm minimisation is the key.

In a 1996 report by the Victorian Premier's Drug Advisory Council, the
council advised decriminalisation of use and possession of a small quantity
(25g) of cannabis and to allow the cultivation of up to five plants per
household. It recommended the sale of marijuana should remain an offence,
with a caution being issued for a first offence, and that all recorded
convictions be expunged for use and sale of small quantities.

This would free up our over-worked court system from petty drug offenders.

It also recommended amendments to by-laws regarding offensive use of the
drug in public places to be in line with those for alcohol use.

The council believes all other illicit drugs should retain that status,
however, enforcement should include greater emphasis on treatment and
rehabiliatation.

Along with a comprehensive education program about drugs, these measures
seem logical and the best way to deal with our drug problem.

Of all drugs, cannabis has been proven time and time again to be the least
harmful.

Stop making dope smokers out to be criminals.

Andrew Gough
Parap

Checked-by: Joel W. Johnson