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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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New Zealand: MPs Urged To Resist Cannabis Law Change
ccguide Tuesday 11 Jul 2000 Pubdate: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 Source: Dominion, The (New Zealand) Copyright: 2000 The Dominion Contact: Address: P O Box 1297, Wellington, New Zealand Fax: +64 4 474-0350 Website: http://www.inl.co.nz/wnl/dominion/index.html Author: NZPA MPS URGED TO RESIST CANNABIS LAW CHANGE A group representing a dozen key educational organisations has written to every MP urging them to reject any change to cannabis laws. The Education Accord, made up of the leaders of 12 educational organisations, representing unions, principals, school trustees, Maoris and others, said last night that it was so concerned about moves to decriminalise cannabis that it had written to every MP. It urged MPs, instead of liberalising cannabis laws, to support the provision of more effective support services for cannabis users and their families. It also called for an effective drug education programme in schools for pupils from year one to year 13. The accord said members were worried about the level of cannabis use among young people and believed decriminalisation would increase the use. They were concerned this would lead to higher levels of violence and ill health in society. It was important all MPs were fully aware of the harm cannabis caused to children and adolescents. "Cannabis causes physiologic damage to developing organs. It also results in emotional stunting as cannabis causes blockages of the neural pathways, impeding user ability to exercise reason and sound judgment." The educational achievement of children and adolescents was severely compromised due to the side effects of cannabis use, the accord said. In the last term of Parliament the multi-party health committee held an inquiry into the health effects of cannabis and concluded that the law should be reviewed. However, debate has continued to rage over whether the committee or the Government should carry out the review. National has accused Health Minister Annette King of being "gutless" in proposing that the committee consider it. - --- MAP posted-by: greg
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