MERITS IN USE OF DRUG

I AM concerned about the approach of Opposition Leader Colin Barnett to
cannabis law reform.

He claims cannabis has a role in precipitating serious mental illness.
Seven epidemiological studies conducted since 1965 found that the incidence
of schizophrenia in the western countries where the studies were conducted
was decreasing. This was around the time that cannabis use started to
become popular.

He has ignored the fact that about 30 per cent of Australians under 40 use
cannabis on a casual or regular basis. In Holland where cannabis use has
been decriminalised since the 1960s, the figure for casual or regular use
for the under 40s is around 7 per cent.

Another important fact is that about 62 per cent of West Australians
arrested for minor cannabis offences are unemployed. Doesn't it make it
more difficult for this group of mainly young people to make the transition
to the workforce if they have a criminal record?

I admire Mr Barnett for being willing to alienate himself with this big
group of actual and potential voters on a matter he feels strongly about,
but have reservations about his ability to manage affairs of state if he
brings this level of analysis and objectivity to important public issues.

Alan Wells, Wembley