Families must come first

We are getting much positive feedback from families on the benefits of cannabis on children who have previously suffered from fitting episodes — some up to 100 per day.

Some have found compassionate doctors who have supported their quest to trial medicinal cannabis, but others have not been so fortunate, and must still obtain their cannabis supplies from ‘green fairies’.

We noted that Rose Renton, a green fairy in Nelson, had a compassionate judge at her sentencing, and was discharged without conviction, after finding her offending was “altruistic” and was motivated by wanting to help others, which brought her into conflict with the Misuse of Drugs Act. We applaud the judge’s compassion and understanding.

This is truly putting families first — allowing them all to get a good night’s sleep to face normal days, not days filled with havoc.

We also have read a recent report in The Guardian by Richard Shrubb, citing studies showing there is no link between psychosis and cannabis. The Lancet medical journal: “A declining incidence of treated cases of schizophrenia over the period when cannabis use has increased suggests that cannabis use is unlikely to have caused cases of schizophrenia that would not otherwise have occurred.”

It continues that Canada and several US states could well see a decrease in acute mental health cases, as opposed to widely propagated statements that cannabis psychosis rates would increase.

Two medical scientists in The Guardian have also stated that with the 10-fold increase in cannabis use in the UK from the 1970s, there is no increase in the rates of psychosis. Harry Shapiro, Director of Communications at Drugs Scope, states that “schizophrenics say that cannabis can actually dampen the voices they hear”.

We all await common sense to prevail, for society to put families first, and for cannabis to finally be re-legalised.

BEVERLEY ALDRIDGE KATHLEEN PATTINSON Seniors’ Voice

Otamatea