News (Media Awareness Project) - Australia: LTE: The Facts On Cannabis Bill |
Title: | Australia: LTE: The Facts On Cannabis Bill |
Published On: | 2003-03-28 |
Source: | West Australian (Australia) |
Fetched On: | 2008-01-20 21:10:29 |
THE FACTS ON CANNABIS BILL
THE letter from Robert Hicks (Drug Summit was misled, 26/3) was itself
misleading. The debate on the Cannabis Control Bill 2003 needs to be based
on accurate information.
The Drug Law Reform Working Party was established by the State Government
in response to the Community Drug Summit. The working party recognises the
harms that can arise from cannabis use. A response to these harms is
proposed under the Bill.
After substantial discussion, review of the evidence, the failings of the
current system and responses in other jurisdictions, the working party
recommended a broad range of strategies to respond to cannabis use and
related harm.
Cannabis use will remain illegal. There will be a Statewide education
program to ensure the community is informed about the penalties for use and
about the hazards and harms of cannabis use. The messages are clear: do not
use cannabis because it can cause health problems and it is illegal.
Those found with small amounts of cannabis will receive a financial penalty
or they can elect to attend an education session. This option means that
those who use cannabis have the opportunity to be directed into treatment
services, the most appropriate and effective way to respond.
They will not receive a criminal record. The reason for this is that a
criminal record does not necessarily stop someone using cannabis and it can
often make matters worse. However, anyone found with bigger amounts, or if
there is evidence of dealing, will be charged with a criminal offence.
The Bill has many other components, including tougher definitions of the
amounts that will automatically attract a charge of dealing, as well as
stricter controls on people who currently sell cannabis paraphernalia.
Also, anyone knowingly supplying hydroponic equipment for the cultivation
of cannabis can be charged with a specific criminal offence, attracting
very severe penalties.
This is not a response based on misinformation about the risks of cannabis
use. What has been developed is a comprehensive strategy that aims
effectively to respond to cannabis problems in a way that is clear and firm
and will help direct those with problems into treatment services.
JOHN PRIOR, chairman, Working Party on Drug Law Reform
THE letter from Robert Hicks (Drug Summit was misled, 26/3) was itself
misleading. The debate on the Cannabis Control Bill 2003 needs to be based
on accurate information.
The Drug Law Reform Working Party was established by the State Government
in response to the Community Drug Summit. The working party recognises the
harms that can arise from cannabis use. A response to these harms is
proposed under the Bill.
After substantial discussion, review of the evidence, the failings of the
current system and responses in other jurisdictions, the working party
recommended a broad range of strategies to respond to cannabis use and
related harm.
Cannabis use will remain illegal. There will be a Statewide education
program to ensure the community is informed about the penalties for use and
about the hazards and harms of cannabis use. The messages are clear: do not
use cannabis because it can cause health problems and it is illegal.
Those found with small amounts of cannabis will receive a financial penalty
or they can elect to attend an education session. This option means that
those who use cannabis have the opportunity to be directed into treatment
services, the most appropriate and effective way to respond.
They will not receive a criminal record. The reason for this is that a
criminal record does not necessarily stop someone using cannabis and it can
often make matters worse. However, anyone found with bigger amounts, or if
there is evidence of dealing, will be charged with a criminal offence.
The Bill has many other components, including tougher definitions of the
amounts that will automatically attract a charge of dealing, as well as
stricter controls on people who currently sell cannabis paraphernalia.
Also, anyone knowingly supplying hydroponic equipment for the cultivation
of cannabis can be charged with a specific criminal offence, attracting
very severe penalties.
This is not a response based on misinformation about the risks of cannabis
use. What has been developed is a comprehensive strategy that aims
effectively to respond to cannabis problems in a way that is clear and firm
and will help direct those with problems into treatment services.
JOHN PRIOR, chairman, Working Party on Drug Law Reform
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