DRUG LAWS DISCUSSED AND DEBATED

AMID the bong tossing and joint rolling, there was actually a serious
side to the MardiGrass weekend.

And while it lacked the visual appeal of watching contestants hurl a
smoking apparatus half the length of a football field, the discussion
regarding cannabis users ending up before the courts was arguably of
more consequence.

With more than 10,800 illegal drug possession charges brought before
NSW local courts in 2008, Lismore solicitor Steve Bolt gave two
weekend talks at the Nimbin Town Hall on exactly what the law says
when it comes to cannabis.

"The purpose of MardiGrass has always been, despite the celebratory
character of the event, to educate people about what their rights
are," he said. "It's central to what we try to do."

Mr Bolt, who has spent about 15 years dealing with the legal
consequences of cannabis use, said there was frequently a lot of
misinformation regarding drug laws.

"The law is a complex beast about anything," he said. "A lot of people
believe the law is tougher than it is, and a lot of people believe the
law is softer than it is."

Mr Bolt discussed everything from arrest to sentencing, including what
amount of possession of cannabis becomes supply and what amount of
cannabis use relates to a caution, as opposed to a court appearance,
are discretionary, and will only be given by police in limited
circumstances.

He was hopeful the sessions would keep people away from the criminal
justice system where possible.

"In terms of the information aspect of MardiGrass, hopefully people
will go away with a bit more knowledge and will prevent them being
arrested and charged when they don't have to be, because they'll have
more info about how the law actually operates," he said.