CANNABIS LAWS `RISK TO YOUTH'

NEW cannabis laws which come into effect tomorrow will increase the risk of
physical and mental health problems for young people, Opposition Leader
Colin Barnett claims.

Mr Barnett said the changes - making the possession of up to 30g of the
drug and the cultivation of up to two plants punishable by fine or an
education session - sent the worst possible message to the community that
some cannabis was OK.

"There is clear scientific evidence that cannabis use is linked with
depression and anxiety in youths and an increased risk of psychotic
disorders such as paranoia, manic depression and schizophrenia," he said.

"Physical health impacts include a higher risk of throat, lung, mouth and
tongue cancer, reproductive problems and possible impaired educational
development in adolescents.

"It is irresponsible in the extreme that, in spite of the mounting evidence
of the dangers of this drug, that our State Government could soften
penalties for its use and cultivation."

Mr Barnett said that according to a 1992 report carried out by the US Drug
Enforcement Administration, one outdoor, non-hydroponic, plant grown with
only standard irrigation, fertilisation and weeding activity could produce
448g after 120 days - more than 2.5kg if two plants were harvested three
times a year.

"Under Labor's legislation the possession of those two plants will attract
no greater penalty than a fine of up to $200," he said.

"To make matters worse the legislation allows for an unlimited number of
cautions to be issued for possession and cultivation and only an education
session for repeat offenders. "Such a soft approach to law enforcement for
the abuse of an illicit drug is a recipe for disaster - and it is our
children and their families who will pay."

Dr Steve Allsop of the Government's drug and alcohol office agreed that
cannabis use was harmful.

But the new laws still recognised that cannabis use was illegal and harmful.

Dr Allsop said the laws would ensure cannabis was dealt with more as a
health issue than a criminal issue.

It would result in more people being treated and counselled instead of
putting them through the courts.

"No one wants to see an increase in the number of people who start cannabis
use but all of us want to see an increase in the number of people who come
off cannabis," Dr Allsop said.