So, of course, may many other factors. But having acknowledged the bad effects, one must also acknowledge that sufferers from some medical and physical conditions, such as glaucoma, and such as tetraplegia as seen on the Frontline programme, say that cannabis is the only drug which offers them any relief whatsoever. That is the basis for some support among medical practitioners for legal supply of cannabis for specified conditions. Good public policy considers all the costs. It the approach taken to a problem results in more social and economic costs than benefits to society, another approach that is more health promoting must be considered.
Prohibition is costly, both in terms of social harm and the economic costs of enforcement.
Prohibition may actually act to drive families apart as parents react adversely to the illicit habits of their children. It also breeds disrespect for the law amongst young people. Then by treating marijuana use as illegal, we label the estimated one million New Zealanders who have used it as criminals. Prohibition actually causes harms by involving otherwise law-abiding citizens who are marijuana smokers in the criminal scene. In 1993 there were 23,236 reported cannabis offences, up from 19,324 in 1992.