EQUIPMENT MUST CARRY HEALTH WARNING

SMOKING implements and other cannabis paraphernalia will have to carry
health warnings similar to those on cigarette packets, under proposed drug
laws.

Stores which stock cannabis-related products will be legitimised when
possessing a bong is made legal but businesses such as Joynt Venture will
be forbidden to sell their wares to minors.

The hydroponics industry will also be affected by the Gallop Government's
new cannabis legislation, due to go before Parliament before the end of the
year.

Police say it is too difficult to regulate every hardware store and
specialist business which provide hydroponic equipment.

Instead, new laws will give police the power to demand answers from a
business if they suspect the store is involved in cannabis cultivation.

Health Minister Bob Kucera said Cabinet had put its foot down on the issue
of hydroponics and ensured its use in cannabis cultivation remained illegal.

"That will remain totally illegal," he said. "The police will simply charge
you if you grow cannabis hydroponically."

The decision on hydroponics is in-line with the Government's
tough-on-cannabis dealers stance.

"It deals with the dealers but it makes sure we apply compassion to the
users," Mr Kucera said.