Dr. Bernard Kenny:

I thank the Senator for the question. The ICGP issued a statement last October in which we say that cannabis is a dangerous drug and a serious public health concern and we discourage cannabis use. Clearly, we acknowledge the dangers of cannabis.

In terms of decriminalising individuals, we have clearly stated that criminalising individual drug users and people who use drugs causes damage to them, their families and their communities and their ability to seek help. We recognise the dangers inherent in cannabis use but are very supportive of people who use drugs and recognise that criminalising individuals, such as our patients, members of our community, does not serve our greater aims.