Any parent who is concerned about the level of cannabis use in schools should see through this politically inspired petition, says Mr Appleby. The Party has campaigned for five years on the basis that existing cannabis prohibition laws do far more harm than good, hindering effective drug education and leading to family conflict, alienation and even youth suicide. Michael Appleby says he expects the petition will meet substantial oppposition from informed parents. The prohibitionist approach is dead. What people want is to find a way to regulate and control access to cannabis.
Current policy leaves the supply of cannabis to the anarchy of the underground market.
Legalising cannabis is the only sensible solution to the problem of child access, says the Party. Mr Appleby slammed the National Party for initiating the petition, which he says is trying to exploit public fear and ignorance. It is sad that members of the School Trustees Association have fallen in with this politically-motiovated campaign, he says. The Party is writing to the Association, urging it to reconsider support for current failed prohibitionist policies and suggesting all Boards of Trustees should support the long-overdue review of cannabis laws, and look at other countries such Netherlands which have their drug problems under much better control. Its a policy of wishing away the problems.