Growing cannabis

legally across the nation is the Greens latest legislative proposal. It is claimed the Commonwealth can override the states on this matter. Even if they can though would it be a good thing?

The other claim made by the Greens is that 40% of the (presumably teen/adult) population have smoked it at some point and that it is policing the ban which does more harm. Apparently this is sufficient reason to legalise it.

A former neighbour has written two academic papers on driving under the influence of cannabis. I disagree with his findings, indeed there is a major flaw in his argument that the presence of cannabis is not an issue. I know many other people agree with him. Others agree with me. 

The dangers of tobacco consumption are well known. While it is still legal it is less acceptable than it used to be to smoke. Fortunately there are now places where it is illegal to smoke but we have a long way to go. Why should those of us who don't smoke (in my case have never even tried) be forced to inhale secondary smoke - something which is every bit as dangerous? I avoid locations where people are still allowed to smoke. I am not asking them to stop even while I believe they are foolish to continue smoking.

Cannabis is no better, indeed may be even worse. The long term effects of cannabis are not to be taken lightly. It can lead to similar physical problems and it can also lead to issues of mental health. That "high" doesn't last. I don't believe there is any such thing as "recreational" use.

I know cannabis was used around the universities I attended. In one case the chief suppliers of it were the police themselves. If you knew where to go on campus on a certain day between certain times it was easy to obtain.  I talked to a member of the police force about this. He didn't bother to deny it. He just shrugged and said, "At least we know who's using and where they are getting it from."

I wonder how many of those otherwise intelligent users now have issues. Do they still use it? 

Drug dealers also depend on illegality to make a profit. Making cannabis legal is not going to solve that issue. Withdrawing supply may well increase the use of other even more dangerous substances. 

All that said the benefits or otherwise of medicinal cannabis oil are still being explored. It would be perfectly possible to legislate for that purpose alone and perhaps we should.