Wednesday, 27 November, 2013 - 09:12

A retired New Zealand Police officer says cannabis should be legalised, because keeping it illegal is doing more harm than good.

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) is starting up its New Zealand chapter and encouraging police to speak out against Drug Prohibition.

A video featuring retired New Zealand police officer Angus Fisk will be screened at the Drug Foundation's conference on Cannabis and Health, Through the Maze, which begins today in Auckland.

Mr Fisk said he supports the call for a national conversation about cannabis and has shared his story with 'Let's Start The Conversation', an ongoing social media discussion recently started on the issue (www.conversation.org.nz).

"In my 35 years of Law Enforcement I never saw cannabis do any significant harm to the community, especially compared to alcohol," Mr Fisk said.

He said he had joined the US based LEAP earlier in the year and was launching the organisation's New Zealand chapter.

"I hope it will take off, I'm encouraging Police, Corrections and other Law Enforcement professionals to join, either serving or retired."

LEAP envisions a world in which drug policies work for the benefit of society and keep our communities safer. A system of legalization and regulation will restore the public’s respect and trust for law enforcement.

For more information see www.leap.org.nz