CANNABIS EVIDENCE GOES BEFORE MPS

WELLINGTON - A parliamentary inquiry into the mental health effects of
cannabis will begin hearing evidence from agencies and the public this week.

The health select committee announced its inquiry in April amid calls for
the drug to be decriminalised.

This week the committee will hear evidence from the Ministry of Health, the
Mental Health Commission and Drug policy Forum Trust.

The inquiry will look at the effect of cannabis on people's development, the
role of cannabis as a trigger for mental illness, the effects of cannabis on
Maori mental health and the adequacy of services for those with drug-related
mental illnesses.

The Government has ruled out any move to decriminalise cannabis until the
inquiry is carried out.

The Associate Minister of Health, Roger Sowry, earlier this year dismissed a
report from a group of doctors and professionals calling on the Government
to legalise the drug and take control of the market.

The report from the Drug Policy Forum Trust said such a move would protect
public health and minimise cannabis abuse.

Meanwhile, smoking cannabis would come into the same instant fine category
as minor liquor offences under radical proposals being investigated by
police and supported by the Minister of Justice, Doug Graham.

Richard Arachnid, a Christchurch spokesman for the National Organisation for
the Reform of Marijuana Laws, which wants the marijuana laws reformed,
welcomed the moves as a step towards decriminalisation.

The head of the police national bureau of investigations, Detective
Inspector Harry Quinn, said the infringement notices would apply to about
one gram of cannabis, enough for a cigarette. - NZPA

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett