Legal cannabis call rejected

CANBERRA: A push by the Australian Greens to legalise cannabis use has been rejected by the Turnbull Government.

Greens leader Richard Di Natale has called for reforms to prohibition, saying the country’s approach to illicit drugs was an ‘‘unmitigated disaster’’.

Health Minister Greg Hunt called on the party to withdraw its suggestion, arguing it risked the health of Australians.

‘‘Marijuana is a gateway drug. The risk of graduating to ice or to heroin from extended marijuana use is real and documented,’’ the minister said yesterday.

‘‘We do not believe it is safe, responsible or something which should be allowed.’’

Asked why the Government would not want the tax revenue, Hunt said it did not want to put the mental health of Australians at risk.

But Senator Di Natale argued governments around the world were realising that prohibition of cannabis caused more harm than it prevented.

‘‘It’s time Australia joined them,’’ he said.

The minor party wants to redefine cannabis as a legal substance, and license its production and sale.

A national agency would be established to issue those licen

ces and oversee regulations.

It would also act as the single wholesaler for cannabis, selling it in plain packaging to retail stores. — AAP