PM’s Promise on ‘P’ More Smoke and Mirrors

John Key's latest promise of a reduction in ‘P’ by next year is just more smoke and mirrors from a Government that would rather amp up the ‘War on Drugs’ than take a considered look at sensible alternatives, says NORML New Zealand president Phil Saxby.

"The best way to reduce demand for ‘P’ is to ensure people have safe, legal access to cannabis," Mr Saxby said.

"Despite years of political rhetoric and ever-increasing powers given to both Police and Customs, the price of ‘P’ has remained stable and the drug has never been easier to obtain", Mr Saxby stated.

"John Key believes that doing more of the same will somehow magically solve the problem this time around. He’s painting us a fairy-tale picture which couldn’t be further from the truth."

"No amount of police work has ever intercepted more than a fraction of the supply of any illegal drug. All they can do is put certain suppliers out of business, to the benefit of their competitors."

"Nationwide cannabis supply busts like Operation Lime, which targeted hydroponic supply shops and their customers, would have the unwanted side-effect of shifting smokers on to other drugs like ‘P’. That is, if they have any effect at all on the 400,000* or more Kiwis who will use cannabis this year."

A recent review of 20 years of research into drug policy and enforcement by the Canada-based International Centre for Science in Drug Policy (ICSDP) found the vast majority of police seizures and arrests led directly to increased violence.

"The Government is trying to distract the public from the soft approach it takes towards alcohol, with a drugs policy that is out of balance and out of touch with reality," concluded Mr Saxby.

ENDS

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