Pubdate: Fri, 03 Nov 2000
Source: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand)
Copyright: Allied Press Limited, 2000
Contact:  P.O. Box 181, 52-66 Lower Stuart Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
Website: http://www2.odt.co.nz
Author: Jeanette Saxby
Note: Letter abridged by ODT editor
Bookmark: cannabis clippings http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm

SMOKING CANNABIS IS VICTIMLESS

IN HIS "PARENTING" column, Ian Munro ( ODT , 14.10.00) makes little sense 
when he suggests that we should continue with prohibition in regards to 
decriminalising cannabis. There is nothing selfish or self-centred about 
wanting to update existing laws regarding harm minimisation and the use of 
cannabis.

There is not strong community disapproval with regard to the smoking of 
cannabis. In fact, over half of the adult New Zealand population has tried 
it. The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party supports the establishment of a 
regulated cannabis industry. We wish to state that we do not promote the 
smoking of cannabis and want cannabis to have the same over-18 legal status 
as alcohol and cigarettes.

Recreational drugs are part of our culture and cannabis is the second most 
popular after alcohol. More damage is being done through criminalising 
cannabis smokers than would occur under a legal cannabis system. Smoking 
cannabis is a victimless crime and cannabis is according to the World 
Health Organisation a relatively harmless substance. Cannabis smoking 
should be made legal for those who wish to indulge as it is time for New 
Zealand to adopt a more tolerant and progressive attitude in line with the 
rest of the world.

Jeanette Saxby
Deputy leader, ALCP, Christchurch
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