Rationalizing the Cannabis Debate:

Rational debate has

often been obstructed because the media present a forced choice between two sets of views. One of these constructed views is that

cannabis is harmless when used recreationally, is therapeutically useful, and hence should be legalised. The other is that recreational use

is harmful to health and that cannabis should continue to be prohibited for recreational or therapeutic purposes.4

This oversimplification of the cannabis debate has prevented a more considered examination of eight conceptually separate issues (box).

We believe that a competent consideration of these issues would contribute to a more informed debate about the appropriate public

policies that could be adopted towards cannabis use for recreational or therapeutic purposes.