VIEWS AIRED AT DOPE DEBATE

Two sides of the marijuana reform debate faced off in Dunedin
yesterday, with both agreeing on some points, but disagreeing overall.
Designed to allow people to make an informed decision about the
decriminalisation of marijuana, particularly medicinal marijuana, the
debate attracted about 60 people.

Northeast Valley Community Constable Julian Real, speaking for the
anti-decriminalisation team, started by admitting to using "a lot of
cannabis" before he joined the police force.

However, he believed it was a harmful drug, especially for young
people, and should not be promoted through decriminalisation.

When questioned about the harm of alcohol compared to marijuana, his
answer was simple: "Should we not work on restricting alcohol rather
than promoting cannabis?"

On the pro-decriminalisation team was Dr Geoff Noller, who talked
about his University of Otago PhD research on the culture of marijuana
use, which revealed that drug users, rather than using it "open
slather", considered its harmful effects as well as its benefits.

He acknowledged the harmful effects of marijuana, but also noted there
were pleasures and medical advantages of smoking the drug.

"We need good policy that works and positively results in reducing
harm," he said.