Following today’s reports that Adelaide is the ice capital of Australia, the Liberal Democrats are calling on the next state government to make South Australia the marijuana capital of Australia instead.
According to costings by SA’s Parliamentary Budget Advisory Service, the state could save up to $7 million a year if it gave up its pointless fight against cannabis users and producers.
In formulating its costings, the PBAS sought input from SAPOL, which warned that if such a policy were implemented, it would "make SA the marijuana capital of Australia".
"Well, at the moment South Australia has the dubious honour of being the ice capital of Australia, so how about the next state government gets its priorities straight," Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm said.
"Methamphetamines have had a devastating effect on South Australian addicts and their families, yet SAPOL continues to divert millions of dollars away from the ice problem each year by investigating and pursuing cannabis related prosecutions.
"An annual $7 million rehabilitation program for ice addicts would be money far better spent, while the legalisation of the cannabis industry would free up police resources to more effectively tackle the methamphetamine epidemic."
The PBAS costing commissioned by the Liberal Democrats found that in addition to expenditure savings from reduced police activity, court prosecutions, fine recovery and correctional services costs, revenue could also be earned through a licensing scheme.
The costing assumes licensees for the production of marijuana, cannabis and hemp would be charged a $1,000 start-up fee and an annual $550 fee thereafter on a cost recovery basis.
Marijuana would still be illegal for minors, including consumption, possession and sale.
"Marijuana has long been the scapegoat in the so-called war against drugs," Senator Leyonhjelm said.
"It’s time law enforcement agencies grew up and recognised the difference between recreational cannabis users and drug addicts." ---
