21 June 2002

No Tick For Decriminalising Marijuana This Election

“The principals heading the Independent Schools of New Zealand are unanimous in their condemnation of any relaxation of the current laws on marijuana. Some parents may consider it could be better for their sons and daughters if they weren’t potentially exposed to a criminal conviction through marijuana use,” said Joy Quigley, Executive Director, Independent Schools of New Zealand, “but principals too often see the negative side of marijuana abuse as children lose motivation. As a result they are firmly united against any relaxation of the laws and urge Government policy to remain strong.”

“Decriminalisation sends a message that smoking dope is ok when all the evidence says it is harmful to developing brains,” says Joy Quigley. “And it is a fallacy to say we could have better education programmes if marijuana was decriminalised. We have excellent education programmes against smoking and drinking and still young people abuse those two substances.

“Decriminalising another known harmful substance would not be helping our children in any way,” say the principals of independent schools.

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