USER AVOIDS STAIN OF CONVICTION

REGULAR cannabis user Michael says he will be more likely to grow the
drug in his backyard if he is not punished with a criminal record.

Under State Government reforms announced yesterday, Michael, 31,
faces a fine, but not a criminal conviction, for possessing 25g of
cannabis, just less than an ounce, or growing up to two plants at
home.

The decision was part of the Government's response to 47
recommendations from the Community Drug Summit in August. All but one
recommendation, a supervised drug injecting room, were accepted.
Premier Geoff Gallop and Health Minister Bob Kucera said the
Government would move immediately to soften cannabis laws.

Other initiatives include a treatment centre for Aborigines and a
treatment centre in the city for addicted teenagers.

A prescription heroin trial will not go ahead, despite State support,
because of Federal Government opposition.

Michael, who has used cannabis since he was 16, admitted that the
threat of a conviction had not stopped him growing plants at home in
the past.

He did not believe people would begin using cannabis just because of
changes to the law. He did not believe it had harmed him, other than
increased his risk of getting cancer.

He supported a public education program so that people knew the risks
of the drug.

The 25g limit before recording a conviction was about right because
users did not smoke that amount all at once, he said.

In 2000-01, 75 per cent of drug offences related to cannabis use.