COMMON SENSE ON CANNABIS POLICY

SIR, -- It's good to see some common sense attitudes toward cannabis policy
being aired in the media.

Peter Cohen, associate professor at the Centre for Drug Research at the
University of Amsterdam, recently said that cannabis prohibition doesn't
work and that a rational regulatory policy is needed to combat drug abuse
(November 7). The health select committee, which is currently examining our
cannabis policy, should consider Dr Cohen's words carefully. On an
international level, New Zealand has one of the highest rates of cannabis
use anywhere.

So it is of vital importance that our cannabis policy is both fair and
effective. Cannabis prohibition is neither.

The way ahead lies with a harm minimisation philosophy, and the
strengthening of education, community support and health services to
respond to the problems posed by cannabis abuse.

Kneejerk reactions and punitive legislation have only made this country's
cannabis problem worse.

It's time to get real, and adhere to a policy of regulation and harm
minimisation.

DUNCAN EDDY, Dunedin