THE challenges and benefits of decriminalising cannabis will be debated by a panel of experts in Hobart today.

The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council will host the forum to address drug law reform – specifically the ­decriminalisation of cannabis – bringing together a range of local, national and inter­national experts.

The latest illicit drug report from the Australian Crime Commission shows cannabis accounted for 80 per cent of the drug-related arrests in Tasmania last financial year.

Nationally, there were more than 62,000 arrests related to cannabis – the highest reported in the past decade.

ATDC chief executive Jann Smith said she expected the round table discussion in Hobart to highlight key issues and challenges in developing policy in the area.

“Bringing together a broad range of experts and opinion leaders is the starting point for the ATDC to inform our future policy development based upon the most contemporary evidence and views available,” Ms Smith said.

“At the conclusion of the round table, the ATDC will produce a report that will ­inform the ATDC board and our discussions with political leaders in coming years.”

The round table will hear from Beau Kilmer, a ­researcher from California ­focused on drug policy issues in the US and abroad.

Alex Wodak, a NSW specialist in addiction who helped establish that state’s first syringe program, will argue for a new approach to end the war on drugs.

TIME TO MAKE JOINT DECISION: READ ALEX WODAK’S OPINION PIECE

“Regulating and taxing cannabis and diverting these funds into treatment for cannabis-dependent people would ulti­mately save our country millions,” Dr Wodak said.

Mick Palmer, former Australian Federal Police Commissioner, will also participate. Mr Palmer said the prohibitionist drug policy had failed and had to be reconsidered.

Taxation on smoking cannabis generates $3.5 million a month in the US state of Colorado.

In South Australia, where the possession of small quantities of cannabis has been decriminalised, the offence may attract a fine similar to a parking ticket. However, penalties for growing cannabis have become quite severe.

In Tasmania individuals found in possession of up to 50 grams of cannabis can be given a caution up to three times in 10 years.

Australian Lawyers Alliance president and Mercury columnist Greg Barns and representatives of relevant government department will also join the panel.

media_camera Cannabis remains the illicit drug of choice for many Australians. Picture: AFP

The number of arrests fell but the number of cannabis seizures rose and the weight of the drugs seized increased by almost 20 per cent.

Nationally, there were more than 62,000 arrests related to cannabis — the highest reported in the past decade.

ATDC chief executive Jann Smith said she expected the roundtable discussion in Hobart to highlight key issues and challenges in developing policy in the area.

“Bringing together a broad range of experts and opinion leaders is the starting point for the ATDC to inform our future policy development based upon the most contemporary evidence and views available,” she said in a statement.

“At the conclusion of the roundtable, the ATDC will produce a report that will inform the ATDC board and our discussions with political leaders in coming years.”

The roundtable will hear from Dr Beau Kilmer, a researcher from California focused on drug policy issues in the United States and abroad.

Dr Alex Wodak, an addiction specialist from NSW who is well known for establishing one of that state’s first needle and syringe programs, will argue for a new approach to end the war on drugs.

READ DR WODAK’S TALKING POINT ON THE ISSUE IN TOMORROW’S MERCURY

“Regulating and taxing cannabis and diverting these funds into treatment for cannabis dependent people would ultimately save our country millions,” Dr Wodak said.

Mick Palmer, former Australian Federal Police Commissioner, will also participate in the discussion.

Mr Palmer said existing prohibitionist-based drug policy had failed and must be reconsidered.