In reply to M Murray-Benge, the writer's reasoning skills are part of the problem, not of the solution. The writer shares reefer madness misinformation left over from cannabis prohibition.

The arguments are flimsy at best and part of a mindset stuck in the mid twentieth century.

The fact of harm to self and to the community is far lower for cannabis than most other drugs including legal ones: alcohol and tobacco.

There is no lethal dose for cannabis, and it can be administered in different ways than smoking, such as tinctures, balms and creams.

The majority of people that smoke cannabis have no issues and are part of our modern society.

In the present, we have an unregulated market that is running on a tax-free black market system. Anyone can buy it, no ID check and no quality control.

If regulated, we can use education to inform, regulation for purchasing, health systems for any issues and taxation to build GDP, jobs and growth.

To try and scare-monger readers is misplaced and misinformed.

To regulate the market and create tax revenue meanwhile pointing heavy users towards the health system is the smarter vision.

To many, the objectives of the cannabis referendum are just and fair to all citizens. Therefore I will be voting "Yes" in this year's cannabis referendum.

D Carey, Papamoa