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