CANNABIS

Good students were being expelled for cannabis use when I was studying
at James Hargest High School. Over 10 years later, it's sad to see
that the school is still struggling to come to terms with young
people's desire to experiment with cannabis (Southland Times 26 June
2003).

I encourage the School administration to involve young people and
their families in an inclusive, problem solving focused approach to
cannabis use , rather than isolating and excluding the youthful
experimenters.

Punitive responses to cannabis have not prevented a rising rate of
use amongst youth. The amount of students suspended or stood down each
year for cannabis possession in this country far exceeds the
suspension rates for any other offence.

This approach is clearly damaging. It threatens young peoples
education and future employment opportunities as well as alienating
youth from the education system.

Yours,

Duncan Eddy