Crystal Meth Rampant in Australia: Cannabis Could Help

Michael Balderstone, president of Australia’s HEMP (Help End Marijuana Prohibition) Embassy, believes that if local police would ease up on cannabis enforcement, they would have more time and resources to combat the scourge of “ice” (crystal meth) that is taking over in Australia.

In the past four years, use of “ice” has doubled, and a correlating spike in violent crime has come along with it. Balderstone claims that though cannabis is often helpful in kicking a habit with harder drugs, like crystal meth, he knows it’s still illegal.

While cannabis remains illegal, it has something in common with other illicit drugs: the black market. Illegal pot is the easy “get” for law enforcement. It’s bulky and has a strong odor, and cannabis users are generally more docile and rarely violent, which makes them the easy target for police stations looking to fill quotas and justify budgets.

“Ice” on the other hand, is very easy to conceal. It is very small and virtually odorless. Netting crystal meth busts is a harder sell for police. The spotlight being shined on cannabis means it cannot also be on meth. If young people see their friends and peers trying cannabis and then getting arrested, but they see people doing meth and not getting busted, they may be more likely to opt for “ice,” rather than risk getting caught with cannabis. Balderstone claims that young people are having a harder time getting weed because of the scrutiny it receives. Meanwhile, getting meth is growing easier by the day.

In an apples to apples comparison, what would you rather the youth of your nation be using: cannabis or crystal meth?

Baldersone made an apt quip: “The premier should consider sending some of his MPs on a fact-finding mission to America, where they can see for themselves they have everything to gain and nothing to be afraid of.”

It makes sense. People are going to seek altered consciousness, it’s as normal a human behavior as sleeping or eating. Something will fill that void, if you make weed the villain, a true villain (like meth) will creep in and really start to cause harm.