Jobs More Important Than Health?

Jobs More Important Than Health?

GreenCross Medicinal Cannabis Support Group of NZ Inc. is again pleased to see that Judges are accepting a degree of medicinal need in regard to recent cannabis prosecution cases.

Unfortunately it is both sad and an abuse of the suffering to let such cases proceed as far as the courtroom. One would think it is about time the police made wise use of the discretionary powers they have available to them.

In a recent Christchurch case the Judge made it clear that a discharge without conviction was fitting as the defendant had to travel overseas and the employment of staff would be in question should the defendant be convicted. These concerns for the well being of others and business travel needs of defendants are enough for Judges to discharge without conviction. While this is a good move in the right direction there is one point that is not acceptable to any genuine medicinal cannabis patient. Why do Judges place more importance on business rather than health? If a patient suffers for life or dies early due to denial of cannabis then surely this qualifies more so for a discharge without conviction than a business failing?

GreenCross welcomes the day when a Judge has the courage to discharge without conviction on the grounds suffering and death would far outweigh the crime. We would welcome also the day when it is legal to medicate with cannabis.

Phil Goff has been noted as saying that the punishment outweighs the crime in regard to the clean slate bill. The time has come to stop making criminals out of the sick and suffering in this country for that surely is a punishment far outweighing the crime?

Greg Soar Coordinator GreenCross Medicinal Cannabis Support Group of NZ Inc.

© Scoop Media