Letter to the Editor NT News - 2nd December 2002

Letter to the Editor NT News
Dear Sir,
The reports coming from the Northern Territory News linking cannabis to suicide are disturbing, and irresponsible reporting to say the least. Another report flippantly throws in alcohol and hip hop music as going hand in hand with cannabis to cause suicide as well.
Territory Minister John Ah Kit and the NT News would do well to check the sources of their stories to remain credible or at least be prepared to publish an opposing view so their readers can inform themselves. Links between cannabis and suicide are presently non-existent. The fears of the people living in the communities who have lost their loved ones may be well founded but are not proved. Zero tolerance is tempting but over simplifies the issues. Jumping to conclusions will obfuscate the real facts.
The Nimbin HEMP Embassy communicates regularly with NT ministers in an attempt to represent responsible cannabis users. We encourage dissemination of proven information to the people using the drugs; the reality is they always have and will continue to make their own decisions.
It is useful to remember that only a qualified mental health diagnostician can determine whether someone suffers from suicidal tendencies and this, following lengthy tests and personal interviews. Sadly it is doubtful if any of the victims of suicide in the NT bush could afford or did receive this attention.
Inez Price
President Nimbin HEMP Embassy