ACT DRUG POLICY FOLLOWS PM'S FAVOURED OPTION

ACT has come out in favour of partial decriminalisation of cannabis, after
attacking the Government and the Greens for seeking a select committee
review of the law.

ACT MPs may support instant fines for people caught with cannabis for
personal use, in a system similar to speed camera fines, says a draft ACT
drug policy document obtained by The Press.

That is the same system favoured by Prime Minister Helen Clark, who last
October said New Zealand should follow South Australia's partial
decriminalisation model.

ACT's nine MPs were split almost evenly on the question of
decriminalisation, an informal poll showed.

ACT's drug policy document showed the party's support for instant fines was
conditional, including strong concerns about the Government's ability to
restrict the drug to minors.

The raft of conditions included support only if detection methods were
improved, so people driving or working under the influence of cannabis could
be detected.

Legislation would be needed to prosecute them, the document said.

Meanwhile, justice and law reform select committee chairman and Christchurch
Central MP Tim Barnett said yesterday the Government's proposed cannabis law
review should be handled by his committee. His views contrasted with those
of Health Minister Annette King, who wants the health select committee to
review New Zealand's cannabis laws. Mr Barnett said the health issues had
been well researched and were the easiest thing to determine.

"I think it is more logical to go to the justice committee," he said. "The
concerns about cannabis are about its legal status.

"There are issues about the impact on driving, schools, mental health, the
workplace, and individual freedom to consider.

"For young people, the issues are about health, motivation, and the school
environment.

"For adults, the issues are about individual freedom. For adults, the health
impacts of cannabis could be less than the impacts of alcohol and tobacco."