By Ethan Benedicto
There is a mixed reaction from local shoppers and shopkeepers following the push to decriminalise cannabis and focus police resources on ‘real crime’.
These reactions follow the recent announcement by South-eastern MP Rachel Payne and her appeal to the Victorian Government, following a cross-party report that was released on Tuesday, 18 March.
Harry, from Harry’s Clothing in Berwick, is all for the push, saying “why not?”
“I think people should be able to do what they want to do in their own homes, or when they’re out and about.
“As long as they’re not under the influence when driving and so on, because to me that’s the only way to go, it’ll stop crime,” he said.
He also added that it could set a solid precedent for medicinal cannabis, something he coined as one of the more effective avenues for treating chronic pains and other illnesses.
“Just have a look at countries that have legalised it, cities like Amsterdam, they’re very free,” he said.
Berwick Village is sitting on the fence
Another shopkeeper, who requested to remain anonymous, is on the same page and said the movement has her full support.
“Look, we know that our police don’t have the resources to tackle all these crimes, so if we can save them for the big stuff, that’s even better,” she said.
“It would most likely be easier for people to get access to medicinal cannabis too, access to pain relief and all that.
“So if it’s made legal then it’s safer in the long run, they’re not dealing with the people that they should be dealing with.”
Other shoppers, however, haven’t entertained the motion as much, with a more traditional viewpoint on all illicit substances, remaining as that, illicit.
“I understand where it’s coming from, but I also feel like it could make it more prone to abuse,” one shopper said.
“I don’t think anyone should be consuming things like that to begin with, from alcohol and other drugs, especially weed.
“I’m sure they can find other ways to balance the resources if that’s really the concern.”
Another shopkeep, who also requested to remain anonymous, said that with the spike in burglaries and car thefts, “something needs to be done”.
“If this move can get some focus on somewhere else, where people are being robbed and hurt, then I’m all for it.
“I believe cannabis is safer than any other drugs people are taking these days, almost without hesitation.
“It’s legal in a lot of other countries, so why not here?” they said.
As it stands for the motion, the State Government currently has six months to respond to the report.
This story is developing, and more details will be added once they become available.
