Victoria - Debate over drugs is healthy

[CLICKHEREx]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/debate-on-drugs-is-healthy/story-fni0ffsx-1226793906862

January 02, 2014 9:00PM

The legalisation of cannabis in Colorado has sparked the debate in Victoria. Source: AFP

VICTORIA is hearing peoples opinion on whether they should be able to buy marijuana over the counter instead of from drug dealers after retail sales started in Colorado in the United States.

But why do our governments have to be prompted so often about social issues when they should be discussed in Parliament and the community?

The last time the legalisation of marijuana was discussed was in the 1990s under then premier Jeff Kennett.

Professor David Penington was asked to conduct an inquiry into drug policy and says it is once again time to consider practical solutions to the drug problem.

Australia remains among the small group of nations that have the highest consumption of cannabis, says Prof Penington, and has the "dubious honour of being the greatest user of ecstasy in the world".

Prof Penington advocates those over 16 having regulated access to cannabis and ecstasy, provided they are prepared to go on a national confidential users register, with the aim of taking these drugs out of the hands of criminals.

Users would then receive counselling. It would also lessen the risk of young people being encouraged to take harder drugs.

While opposed to the use of marijuana or ecstasy, the Herald Sun believes community debate on social issues is necessary although often put in the too-hard basket by politicians. Same-sex marriage is another issue that has needed overseas example to prompt discussion. Its more than time we started to think for ourselves.

http://www.aussielegalhighs.com.au/search.php?searchid=110270

[Distracted]

wait, what?

You sign up to a register to buy pot and receive counseling?

How much counseling would be required in order to buy an ounce?

Seems odd.

Maybe it will be like earning your motorbike license. Once you've applied you'll pay a $300 counseling fee so you can sit in an office with all the other stoner wannabes and watch a 4 hour film from the 80s about safe smoking procedures and reefer madness?

[Halif]

Thanks, Distracted. Your post made my day

[gtarman]

Yeah I think you're missing the point of legalization if you make counselling a mandatory condition. You don't get a free counselling session at Dan Murphys...you get fuel discounts.