MORATORIUM ON DOPE?

THE recent announcement that Britain may soon change its cannabis
laws so that use and possession are no longer an arrestable offence
(The Post, Oct 25) will, hopefully, spur our own Government to start
heeding calls for a cannabis moratorium here.

The moratorium provides no end in itself - it simply allows more New
Zealanders the freedom to take part in the health select committee's
cannabis inquiry without fear of subsequent arrest.

In response to the British initiative, Green MP Nandor Tanczos has
called for an amnesty on medical marijuana users.

This is the bottom line on immediate action the Government could be taking.

Health Minister Annette King continues to refuse to accept
applications from Kiwis who get medical relief from cannabis.

Her position on this is shortsighted and lacking compassion.

The Minister, it seems, would prefer to criminalise patients than to
empower them.

STEPHEN McINTYRE
Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party
Christchurch