See the report below. We believe her numbers are way too low . Looking at past experience in the US and the fact that Australian cannabis consumption patterns are some of the highest recorded in the OECD , we believe the Victorian government with a efficiently regulated system for medical and adult use could easily double those numbers. If you are in any doubt just look at Massachusetts over the last 8 weeks
The Sydney Morning Herald reports..
Re-elected MP Fiona Patten has put drug law reform at the top of her political agenda by introducing a bill to legalise marijuana in Victoria, which she hopes will gain the support of the new Parliament.
Ms Patten wants cannabis legalised so that it can be cultivated and manufactured while subject to regulation.
She will introduce a private member’s bill on Thursday for the legalisation of cannabis on the first sitting day of the new Parliament.
The change would contribute $204.6 million to Victorian coffers over four years, Ms Patten argued.
“Currently it is easier for our children to buy cannabis than cigarettes and the revenue is going straight to criminals,” she said.
“Legislation will not only change that but it will also bring an extra $204.6 million in revenue and improved health outcomes. Let’s take this money out of the hands of criminals and use it to build a better Victoria.”
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Ms Patten’s new focus on legalising cannabis comes after Victoria became the first state in Australia to legalise access to medical marijuana to treat seriously ill children.
“I’m hoping that by the end of this term we’ll have legal cannabis,” she said. “Across the world communities are making this change and it is time for Victoria to yet again lead the way in this historic reform.”
Ms Patten’s bill to legalise marijuana is due to be tabled in the Victorian Parliament’s upper house on Wednesday afternoon.
