Kate Hawkesby: Legalising cannabis - why would we be so dumb?

I was pleased to see some sense finally reported on the comparison between harm caused by alcohol versus that by cannabis.

A Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Youth Mental Health, from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dr Mary Cannon pointed out the argument - that alcohol is legal and more harmful to people than cannabis, therefore cannabis should be legal too - is redundant.

Or as the professor describes it, "a spurious argument along the lines of 'would you rather be run over by a truck or a bus'."

NZCPR Weekly: Two Referenda

Dear NZCPR Reader,   

This week, we look ahead to September’s election and examine the upcoming referenda, our NZCPR Guest Commentator Dr James Farmer QC outlines his concerns about the proposed liberalisation of cannabis laws, and our poll asks whether you believe there will be majority support at the referendum for the legalisation of recreational cannabis.

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NZCPR Weekly: The Tragedy of Suicide

Dear NZCPR Reader,   

This week we investigate New Zealand’s suicide tragedy, our NZCPR Guest Commentator former New York Times reporter Alex Berenson outlines the link between cannabis use, mental illness, and violent crime, and our poll asks whether you agree with former Prime Minister Helen Clark that smoking marijuana is “hugely less harmful than alcohol or tobacco”.

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Clive Bibby: Carnage always has a human face

Recent polls indicating support levels for the proposed “decriminalisation of cannabis use” referendum have produced interesting results. Although surprised that both surveys suggest it will be voted down (l wouldn't have picked that result), l am none the less grateful that kiwis appear not yet ready for such a change.

We must ask the obvious question - why not?

Having been inundated with supportive opinions from the self appointed guardians of social behaviour for years leading up to this point, l had become resigned to the fact that this was a fight that was not going to be won based on logic or even appeals from those who are the casualties of this selfish destructive pastime. I thought we had lost out to the smooth talkers who weren't interested in their responsibilities to future generations or even the current ones.  There appeared to be little hope of a re think and I wasn't looking forward to the consequences of this inevitable decision.

But, apparently miracles do happen.

Bob Edlin: Studies find exam results turn to pot when students turn to cannabis

Green Party MP Chloe Swarbrick chided the National Party on its drugs policy earlier this year but said she hoped its involvement in public debate was positive.

Her comments followed National announcing deputy leader Paula Bennett’s appointment as the party’s first drug reform spokesperson and Bennett’s thoroughly reasonable insistence that she wanted to know more about the implications of legalising marijuana –

 “I want to know, ‘What does it mean for the illicit drug trade? What does it mean for drug driving? How do we meet our goals of being smoke free if we’re saying it’s okay to have a joint?’ “