Pubdate: Sun, 21 Mar 2004
Source: Sunday Times (Australia)
Copyright: 2004 Times Newspapers Ltd
Contact: http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/letters/letters.html
Website: http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/438
Author: Grahame Armstrong
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/australia (Australia)

CANNABIS LAWS `RISK TO YOUTH'

NEW cannabis laws which come into effect tomorrow will increase the risk of 
physical and mental health problems for young people, Opposition Leader 
Colin Barnett claims.

Mr Barnett said the changes - making the possession of up to 30g of the 
drug and the cultivation of up to two plants punishable by fine or an 
education session - sent the worst possible message to the community that 
some cannabis was OK.

"There is clear scientific evidence that cannabis use is linked with 
depression and anxiety in youths and an increased risk of psychotic 
disorders such as paranoia, manic depression and schizophrenia," he said.

"Physical health impacts include a higher risk of throat, lung, mouth and 
tongue cancer, reproductive problems and possible impaired educational 
development in adolescents.

"It is irresponsible in the extreme that, in spite of the mounting evidence 
of the dangers of this drug, that our State Government could soften 
penalties for its use and cultivation."

Mr Barnett said that according to a 1992 report carried out by the US Drug 
Enforcement Administration, one outdoor, non-hydroponic, plant grown with 
only standard irrigation, fertilisation and weeding activity could produce 
448g after 120 days - more than 2.5kg if two plants were harvested three 
times a year.

"Under Labor's legislation the possession of those two plants will attract 
no greater penalty than a fine of up to $200," he said.

"To make matters worse the legislation allows for an unlimited number of 
cautions to be issued for possession and cultivation and only an education 
session for repeat offenders. "Such a soft approach to law enforcement for 
the abuse of an illicit drug is a recipe for disaster - and it is our 
children and their families who will pay."

Dr Steve Allsop of the Government's drug and alcohol office agreed that 
cannabis use was harmful.

But the new laws still recognised that cannabis use was illegal and harmful.

Dr Allsop said the laws would ensure cannabis was dealt with more as a 
health issue than a criminal issue.

It would result in more people being treated and counselled instead of 
putting them through the courts.

"No one wants to see an increase in the number of people who start cannabis 
use but all of us want to see an increase in the number of people who come 
off cannabis," Dr Allsop said.
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