Push to legalise cannabis in NSW

#940 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 10 Aug 2014.

In 2013, the NSW Parliament commissioned a report into the use of cannabis for medical purposes.  Among other things, the report recommended the expansion of access to cannabis by medical patients suffering from chronic pain and those suffering terminal illness.

It goes without saying that this is a highly controversial issue.  Why restrict it to only those patients?  Why limit it to medical use?  Why limit it to cannabis?  Why not other illicit drugs?

NSW Premier Mike Baird recently said he was “sympathetic” to the push to legalise marijuana for medical use in the State, citing an overriding concern for compassion.

But NSW Council of Churches President Ross Clifford said a compassionate response demanded taking a stand against the legalisation of drugs in Australia.

“The supply and sale of certain drugs, such as cannabis, is illegal in NSW for very good reasons.  Drug addiction is dangerous for all concerned,” Dr Clifford said.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.