21 June 2002
No Tick For Decriminalising Marijuana This Election
“The principals heading the Independent Schools of New Zealand are unanimous in their condemnation of any relaxation of
the current laws on marijuana. Some parents may consider it could be better for their sons and daughters if they weren’t
potentially exposed to a criminal conviction through marijuana use,” said Joy Quigley, Executive Director, Independent
Schools of New Zealand, “but principals too often see the negative side of marijuana abuse as children lose motivation.
As a result they are firmly united against any relaxation of the laws and urge Government policy to remain strong.”
“Decriminalisation sends a message that smoking dope is ok when all the evidence says it is harmful to developing
brains,” says Joy Quigley. “And it is a fallacy to say we could have better education programmes if marijuana was
decriminalised. We have excellent education programmes against smoking and drinking and still young people abuse those
two substances.
“Decriminalising another known harmful substance would not be helping our children in any way,” say the principals of
independent schools.
Ends