ZenLunatic
03-03-2006, 03:20 AM
GROWING or possessing cannabis for personal use will become a criminal
offence in South Australia if the Liberals win this month's state election.
Under current laws police merely issue an expiation notice.
But Opposition Leader Rob Kerin said that policy was not working and
there were growing concerns over the links between drug use and mental
health and youth suicide.
"Adelaide has the unenviable title of the cannabis capital of
Australia," Mr Kerin said.
Under a Liberal Government all private growers and users would be forced
to front court and fines would be increased.
Mr Kerin said the current fine of just $50 sent the wrong message.
Tougher penalties were applied for littering, he said.
The Labor Government has warned that moving to criminalise simple
marijuana use would clog up the court system.
The Australians Democrats have described the policy as poorly
researched, backward and dangerous
offence in South Australia if the Liberals win this month's state election.
Under current laws police merely issue an expiation notice.
But Opposition Leader Rob Kerin said that policy was not working and
there were growing concerns over the links between drug use and mental
health and youth suicide.
"Adelaide has the unenviable title of the cannabis capital of
Australia," Mr Kerin said.
Under a Liberal Government all private growers and users would be forced
to front court and fines would be increased.
Mr Kerin said the current fine of just $50 sent the wrong message.
Tougher penalties were applied for littering, he said.
The Labor Government has warned that moving to criminalise simple
marijuana use would clog up the court system.
The Australians Democrats have described the policy as poorly
researched, backward and dangerous