TF Archives

The Guardian Backs Homegrown Cannabis Legalisation

Author: Jonty Adderley
Saturday, March 22, 2003
Labour politicians should decriminalise and even promote private cultivation of cannabis, the Guardian declared this week, suggesting such a move could increase the administration's popularity as well as helping to tackle crime.

"There are sound pragmatic reasons for ensuring users who cultivate their own cannabis are not treated as dealers. Their activities reduce the role of criminal gangs and destabilise the criminalised cannabis market," the newspaper said in an editorial.

"Private cultivators need promoting, not curbing."

In more cannabis decriminalisation news, Canadian Justice Minister Martin Cauchon called for a ticketing system of fines to be introduced for minor offences, to prevent users gaining criminal records.

"Kids are ending up with a criminal conviction," he said in a speech in Toronto.

"This can have a devastating impact on their lives, from the types of jobs they can get, to travelling or going to university in other countries, particularly the United States. (Reuters)

Meanwhile in Western Australia, authorities stepped up plans to introduce their own ticketing system, based on broadly similar principles to the Canadians. Users caught with up to 30 grams (just over an ounce) and people growing up to two plants will face on-the-spot fines of up to $200 (£70) under the scheme, though will escape a criminal record.
Tags