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Reefer Madness Continues - Libz

Libertarianz today defended the actions of Tauranga man Edward Anderson, who was last week punished for cultivating cannabis which he was selling to cover the costs of his daughter's journeys to Hamilton, where she receives life-preserving kidney dialysis.

"The government and judiciary have just punished a man for supplying a product that people want," said Libertarianz health deregulation spokesman Richard McGrath. "They would doubtless prefer for him to live off a benefit -- money stolen from the productive -- than for him pay his own way by supplying a luxury commodity to those who want it."

"They have punished a father for trying to ensure that his daughter gets vital medical treatment," McGrath added. "It is interesting to note that the reason Mr Anderson can exploit the high profit margins in selling cannabis is because it's illegal to own, use or sell the stuff."

"I expect National List MP Annabel Young will now want her ex-colleagues in the IRD -- who my party would rename the Department of Legalised Theft -- to pick over the bones that are left," he said. "After all, this man's business operation was part of the so-called 'black' market, condemned by all political parties except Libertarianz."

Dr McGrath will be attending a parliamentary select committee later this year which will examine the legal status of cannabis and ways to minimise harm from its use. "I will be pushing hard for the complete legalisation of all drugs," said McGrath, "on the basis that each individual has sovereignty over his body. Recreational drug use is a victimless activity about which the government should not concern itself."

It's enough to make you vote Libertarianz!

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Richard McGrath * Libertarianz Deputy Leader * Fax (06) 377 3070 * mcgrath@no-income-tax.com Or contect Libertarianz Media Coordinator at (025) 861 927

* LIBERTARIANZ * More Freedom * Less Government *

www.libertarianz.org.nz www.freeradical.co.nz

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