The International Narcotics Control Board of the United Nations reports that world production of opium is at an all-time high. The bulk of production is in South-East Asia and South Asia. It can buy its way through all manner of obstacles. Marijuana users represent a ready market for heroin traffickers to access. In 1998, 2.7million Australians admitted to having used marijuana within the past year.
Opposition comes from a number of sources.
Such people do not want to look at any evidence that challenges their view. My concern is that we are sending no message relevant to marijuana users. Young people, sensitive to hypocrisy, are well aware that alcohol causes many more deaths in our society than marijuana. Just one was thought to be connected to use of cannabis. However, the INCB, the world's expert body, does not agree.