Pat, where have you been for the last 15 years while the debate on marijuana legalisation has been raging in every state of Australia, including at Federal Government level?

The Federal Government, you would expect, should be capable of producing a national policy on illicit drug use but has never done that.

Instead, every state has a separate policy on illicit drugs, especially marijuana, which causes major harm.

The debate, which has been worked through by nearly every state in Australia over the past 15 years, has in recent times realised and made public the states’ views through legislation on marijuana.

It has subsequently been branded a very, very dangerous drug, causing more long-term physical and mental health problems than the authorities would ever admit to in past years.

Health, police, education etc, at long last, all agree.

Pat, I don’t know if you are speaking for yourself, family or friends, but I am surprised you are not aware of the new zero-tolerance views and actions of our police and court authorities to prevent the use of marijuana and the harm that results.

Courts, prisons, mental hospitals and counselling services are mostly full as a result of marijuana use, not only here but also around the world.

Why do you think every customs and airport security around the world will not let you through into their country with marijuana?

It is simply because they do not want it in their country.

It is very clear and simple – no country wants marijuana legalised anymore. It is over. Get it into your head.

I gave a great part of my life in an endeavour to stop marijuana use in young people in Australia.

I received an OAM for my work.

In past years, 90 per cent of heroin users started on marijuana and other illegal drugs.

Why would you want to start all over again?

Just imagine dope being available to taxi drivers, school bus drivers, police, airline pilots, school teachers, etc – social chaos!

Studies around the world reinforce what I am saying.

The debate over your ideas have been tried in some parts of Australia and other overseas countries over the past 30 years.

Almost all of those are now doing what we are doing here.

I have had an integral role in some of these studies, which have brought the truth of marijuana.

Alcohol is legal, and look what anti-social behaviour and crimes that is causing all over our country.

Are you suggesting a drug that is worse should be made available to our young?

I just can’t believe some people.

Warren W H Woodley OAM

Tamworth