GREENS TO FREE UP PARTY DRUGS

Ecstasy, cannabis and so-called disco drugs will be distributed from
state-regulated health clinics to teenagers over 18, according to Greens MP
Lee Rhiannon.

She said the party's plan was aimed at decriminalising the recreational use
of drugs and preventing drug-related crime.

She condemned media reports that the Greens advocated making ecstasy
tablets "freely available over the counter".

"That is quite wrong, seriously wrong," she said. "We've said nothing of
the sort. Our scheme would be regulated, it would involve only small
amounts and the distribution would be carried out by health professionals
attached to clinics or hospitals. It would not be commercially available
over the counter at retail stores."