An issue I agree with Laila on

The Herald reports:

Internet Party leader Laila Harre is standing by her policy to decriminalise cannabis following the publication of a study highlighting the damaging effects of regular use on young people.

An Australasian research paper into the effects of cannabis use on adolescents was published in The Lancet medical journal on Tuesday.

It found that under 17s who use cannabis daily were 60 per cent less likely to complete high school and 60 per cent less likely to gain a degree.

Ms Harre said such research demonstrated the need to decriminalise cannabis.

“It is that kind of evidence that has led us to the firm view that cannabis should be dealt with as a health issue rather than as a criminal justice issue.

I agree that cannabis should be primarily dealt with as a health issue.

Two US states have legalised cannabis for personal use. In around three years we should have some fascinating data to assess such as whether drug use or drug affected crime has increased or decreased (or stayed the same) with legal sales.