Medicinal use of cannabis foiled by politics
At present here in New Zealand, these laws are the subject of a parliamentary inquiry, but it is now stalled in committee because members’ opinions are too divided to come up with a recommendation, and now the returning Labour Government has promised its right-wing coalition partner, United Future, not to liberalise the laws for the next three years.
Because cannabis is often detrimental to teenagers’ schoolwork, teachers are leading the pro-prohibitionist lobby and have circulated a petition opposing any law reform.
But it seems that the politically expedient policy of coming down tough on cannabis and the stalling of a change in these laws during the 1980s and 90s has backfired and has in fact created considerable wealth for gangsters, while the growing and use of ganja has mushroomed out of control.
Cannabis is today many a local gangster’s cash crop of choice. Simply growing a vigorous weed requires no great skill and cultivation is easy and cheap.
The untaxed black market profit is enormous and is contributing very significantly to the local underground economy.
Which is the least poisonous of these six popular recreational drugs: tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, amphetamine, cocaine and heroin? I understand the answer to be cannabis.
It is worth remembering that it is only the smoking and not the nature of the herb that is poisonous, and alternative modes of use are being developed such as the atomiser spray for medicinal use in Britain.
Smoking is not required to make use of this versatile medicinal plant with such great potential for the compassionate management of severe pain, and to the relief of multiple sclerosis, asthma, depression and many other conditions.
Brodie Andrews,
159c Scenic Drive,
Titirangi,
Auckland,
New Zealand.
