Why legal marijuana makes sense

In nine US states, including the entire western seaboard from Canada to Mexico, recreational cannabis is now legal. Canada joined them earlier this month. Canada's Bureau of Statistics says Canadians spent AU$6 billion on cannabis in 2015 - almost as much as they did on wine.

And one by one, those who have been predicting dire consequences from this are being proved wrong.

Last month I introduced into the Senate a bill to repeal all Commonwealth laws restricting cannabis use, transport and production. If passed, it would leave marijuana regulation entirely to the states. I also succeeded in convincing the Senate to hold an inquiry into my Bill and the complex issues it raises. This will occur over coming months.

If the government can get over the pearl clutching and puritanism that characterises drug debate in Australia, the days of slavishly following the agenda of Harry Anslinger will be numbered.