Last night Malcolm Turnbull volunteered on the ABC's Q&A, just before he was asked, that he had smoked pot when younger but that "it was a mistake to do so" http://www.google.com.au/news/url?sa=t&ct=au:u/1-0&fp=48dc6ea7153a047b&ei=nhzcSKCTKYWMhQObpryXAQ&url=http%3A//www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/09/26/2374751.htm%3Fsection%3Djustin&cid=1250644856&usg=AFQjCNGdp3M8v7lqxYZlK7lKwMRJvOd3jw.

Here's an admission from me. I smoked pot too occasionally when I was much younger, but I don't think it was a mistake. I was not really interested in it, but sometimes you'd be in a social situation and someone would decide to light-up and you'd think, "Why not?"

I doubt whether any of the people I knew then still smoke pot, and I doubt even more strongly that any of them are using stronger drugs, although I suspect we're all consumers of alcohol.

In my generation (I'm 50) I'd reckon that at least half of us would have smoked pot at least once, and I'm having trouble seeing how an activity that is so widespread that, while it's theoretically illegal, it is hardly ever prosecuted, could be viewed in anything other than a benign way.

Sure there are health problems with pot's consumption, but there are health problems with the consumption, or over consumption, of a whole lot of other things, including alcohol.

I'm glad Turnbull raised the issue, but wish he'd expressed his experience in more positive terms, but then maybe even now, the political climate doesn't allow you to be 100% honest on this issue.

I think that Turnbull's "mistake" was only in the subsequent context of his later aspirations to become the Prime Minister - and even then it's only a mistake in political terms because it provides his opponents with some opportunities for some minor cheap shots.

His admission last night is probably tactically good, in the sense that he won't be subject to the "but I didn't inhale" bulldust by which politicians elsewhere have attempted to deal with their callow pasts.

I smoke pot occasionally now. Probably once every couple of months. A couple of my married, creative-class friends see burning one down as the natural end of the evening, and occasionally I'll join in.

I agree with CJ that Turnbull's response was tactically impressive. I believe it because he was sticking pretty close to the truth. Yes, he probably exaggerated his horror of the drug, but then a go-getter like Malcolm is unlikely to particularly admire the average stoner.

Given he used to be a barrister, one of the most drug-addled occupations, I have no doubt he's snorted a few lines of coke off the back of a toilet seat at his gentlemen's club, either.

There's been several pot threads on this forum before, so perhaps we don't have to cover all the same ground. It's a difficult drug. For the majority of people, it's harmless. I have a 40-something friend who has a diagnosed case of ADHD, and she *improves* on pot. Nevertheless, it's a much stronger drug than some imagine, particularly that dreadful hydroponic stuff, and drug-induced paranoia or even psychosis is a real concern among habitual users.

As a libertarian, I lean towards legalisation. But that doesn't mean a free-for-all, nor does it mean we should drop our guard when it comes to monitoring and investigating the harm it can cause.

Turnbull didn't come across to me as someone who was particularly interested in drug policy, which is a pity.

I smoked heaps of pot when I was younger. And you know what? All the bad news is true. Daily use lowers your motivation, reduces your intellectual capacity, induces depression and increases the risk of psychotic illnesses.

But the risks apply to chronic, constant use. I have seen nothing to suggest that moderate stoning has any deleterious effects. That's why I'm in favour of legalisation. If, as a society, we can rationalise and accept the harm caused by tobacco and alcohol, we can also take cannabis in our stride, make a mint off the taxation, and starve drug dealers of a market.

I agree with CJ Morgan that it's hypocritical and lame for politicians to qualify any admission of pot consumption with grave warnings of the one-puff-and-you're-a-junky propaganda variety.

In my experience in the security industry I'd MUCH RATHER deal with stoners than drunks.

A huge percentage of the population smoke recreationally. No shame in it at all. It's there to be enjoyed, moderately. Just the same as anything. Even Christ had no dramas with wine. Just ask John the Baptist.

CJ was spot on with Turnbull, IMHO.

Where now all of the wonderful, old civilisations that had so many good ethics...so many noble men and women?

Brought down by God, each and every one, because of their immorality and their acceptance of homosexuality, drunkenness, drugs, sacrifice (2008 and abortion)... and the worship of idols.

I would have liked a stronger condemnation than "it was a mistake to do so".

No one speaks much anymore about the fall of civilisations or the fact that God brings them down at a certain point (the christian churches have mostly gone mousey and quiet these days...apostate).

Thus, in the end, because of our indifference to our end, does God switch on the "endtimes" to bring it all to an end.

Knew that was coming, that's why I included John the Baptist.

Better to be thought a fool, Gibo, than open your cake-hole...

GrahamY
Nah it’s a trivial issue who in that generation has NOT tried it. Besides he was amongst the alleged Cocaine set bankers, big time lawyers stock brokers, wheelers and dealers.
But now?
How would we tell if he is still on 'substances' anyway? He's deluded enough as he is. He hardly acknowledges anyone else anyway except as minions or to have misanthropic sport at their expense.

Ambition is an essential for a PM but for ambition's sake? Shouldn’t there be an ideal a vision for benefiting the people of Australia one that transcends the individual somewhere in the mix? His history doesn't seem to indicate that level altruism. Leopards and spots come to mind.

John had a vision for Australia (albeit a little anachronistic perhaps) to begin with. It was in his latter years he focused on HIS legacy (the sign of has-beenism).

The "demented thunderbird" (term from Matilda's satirist) was trying to set a vision.

Even Kevin had/has a woolly feel good one going in, but Turnbull? He's simply a trophy hunter, his next is PM then what? Should god be worried perhaps?
The libs can do better.

The pot admission, I believe was superfluous - who cares? They all say the same thing anyway - "when I was young.........!"

However, Tony Jones appeared exasperated at one point, endeavouring to gain control of the discussion and I was beginning to wonder who was the interviewer and who was the interviewee!

Nevertheless, the audience appeared amused though did we detect a slight hint of that rumoured arrogance in Mr Turnbull?

Do any people in the legal profession post here? If so, maybe you could answer this. I'd be more interested in a professional opinion rather than a lay person's opinion. Malcolm Turnbull has admitted to breaking the law, not the watered down term of 'technically' breaking it, he actually 100% broke the law if what he says is true. Is it possible for the authorities, or even a private citizen, to have him charged with the appropriate offence, even though presumably it was committed a long time ago? As he has openly admitted he has broken the law, if charged he may very well be found guilty. Wouldn't that disqualify him from holding any political office? Don't forget, back in those days it was not just a minor thing like a speeding fine, it was a 100% criminal offence.

Maybe he's given his opponents some nifty ammunition, without recognising it.

Will you be ready StG:)?

I may be wrong, dickie, but I believe the only crimes that apply to cannabis are trafficking and possession. If someone handed Turnbull a roach to puff on, I don't think it's technically an offence.

And Gibo, the second coming has been predicted continuously for the last two thousand years. What makes you think it's going to happen now? Exhibit A: the truly hilarious prophecy history of the Jehovah's Witnesses.

Back in those days, when I was 20, I remember people going to prison for a very short time because they had 1 joint in their hands. I was one of them. I'm the same age as Malcolm. I think he's 50.

i have smoked dope but it was wrong and extremely dangerous.

Turnbull himself seem to admit it was wrong but did not seem to realize how big this problem is. It cause mental illness and can often lead to taking harder drugs.

i was involved with psychopathic christians some were linked to the salvation army others to the assembly of god they pretended that they could here the voice of god when stoned and would speak in tongues.

i don.t think they really believe this their goal was to try to make me mentally ill i think.

It is a bit late to ask was it wrong when the deed has already been done. Who really cares?

He tried pot when he was young - so did a lot of other people. As someone who might one day be king I would be worried if he was a chronic pot smoker but he obviously is not so what he did 30 years ago (in this regard) is really irrelevant.

No it does not matter I have smoked pot.
Well a lot have or do.
But gave it up because I had to.
Saw too many who smoked too much.
And the damage it does in such cases.
Police smoke so do people from every walk of life.
It however can be very very harmful.
Turnbull is one of many in the house who smoked it.
Worth noting, even after being told they will be tested, even given the date some are failing multiple drug tests and seeing jobs lost.
So it can hurt like it or not.

Not to be outdone, today Julia Gillard also confessed to smoking pot in her uni days, but says she didn't like it. There have been some good jokes going around about it today -

Don't do drugs kids, or you could end up leading a political party.

No wonder they call it the party room.

Now we understand the meaning of joint sittings.

Bob Brown will trump them all when he says he still smokes pot.

And on Turnbull's hypocritical observations on the public disgrace we call question time, maybe if they'd kept smoking they wouldn't make such spectacles of themselves. Although the giggling from the back bench could be distracting

I thought almost everyone tried pot. I think I personally know only 3 or 4 people who have not tried it- 2 of them are my own children.

I used to smoke pot, eat space cakes and use some other drugs, but as a non-politician I don't have to bother admitting it was a mistake.
It wasn't- it was a great experience and I wouldn't have wanted to have missed it.
I stopped smoking pot when I stopped smoking tobacco.

I think the drugs enriched my life back then, I see it as just one of the many experiences one can have.

These days I'm just happy with a good glass of red, in moderation.

Yes I to have smoked pot in my younger days. At least it proves he is one of us hey.

Now here is a trap for you to be aware of.

Last New years I was at a party and a joint was handed around, although I thought about it I declined.

After leaving the party I was stopped at an RBT.

Now what would have happened if I had taken a drag or two then was tested.

Would I have been charged and branded as a drugy. Hardly fair given it would have been the first in over 20 years.

Celivia, isn't it scary how sober and responsible our children are?

I get some indulgent pats on the head occasionally when they smile at me beningly when I tell of some youthful adventure. My kids think that anybody over the age of 50 must have been long haired pot smoking hippies. Their parents included

I feel sorry for those who could not find enough in real life, & had to get their kicks from drugs.

At 11, I was riding show jumpers. No wine, women or drugs could equal that.

Then at 17, no horses at uni, but a forward hand on a skif, howling down the harbour got more kicks than any drug could offer.

Not meant to be a science teacher, so became a fighter pilot. At 21, that first takeoff from a carrier is a thrill that leaves all your wine women, & druges for dead.

Chuck out those drugs, & buy a racing car. At 28, a Brabham, around Bathurst, will give you a high, drug users couldn't believe.

At 36, single handing a 40 footer, through a 3 day Coral Sea gale is a bit more high than anyone needs, & at least equal to all the wine women & drugs. But wait a minute, this is one thrill I can share with a lady.

7 years later there's 3 kids to teach to show jump, sail, & drive. Now thats a kick, hell, how did you ever find the time for drugs.

As a clapped out old bugger, [I can't speak for her] we manage a vino a couple of times a month, but drugs, I'd rather go far a drive in my 30 year old sports car, thank you.

Hasbeen for PM!!

Actually, it's kinda got a ring to it, hasn't it?

Yeah that sounds perfect, CJ!

Heehee anansi,
I hope my children are only joking when they call me an alcoholic for having a daily small glass of wine, or tell me that I must've been the pot-head of Amsterdam.
And I haven't even told them EVERYTHING or they'd call me other names, too.

But seriously, I can't get over the fact that my children are so much more responsible and considerate than I've ever been as a teenager.
Someone told me it skips a generation.

But I'd rather have my children behave like I did and see them smoke some pot than fly around like maniacs in fighter planes trying to shoot people.

Really who cares who smokes pot? I am an old worn out pensioner & have never smoked at all, tobacco, pot anything. The whole idea of smoking to me is abhorrent. However, I could'nt care less if Malcolm Turnbull smokes, drinks, or, stands on his head, naked in Martin Place, provided he does the job he is paid to do with without fear or favour. His private life is his own businesss. Get a life!! The rugged sunbronzed egalitarian Aussie nation of my youth has very obviously turned into a nation of narrow minded WIMPS!!

I think that most people have tried it.I just hate it's rancid putrid stench.I've know a few long term users who have suffered memory loss and lack of motivation.For some suffering serious chronic medical problems,it seems to be a good pain reliever.If you are dying from cancer,does it really matter?

We should not deal in absolutes when addressing the benefits verses the losses on anything.Circumstances change both the perception and what are the solutions to problems.Poppy seed is both the source of pain relief and life destruction.Cars can kill,make our lives more amienable or give us pleasure through pure exhilaration.It is a matter of having the will to do the sensible thing.We cannot protect people from themselves because at some point,we all have to assume individual responsibility

Don't know CJ and Celivia. Hasbeen sounds like a serious adrenalin junkie to me. Lots of politics is probably very tedious, boringly having to listen to other boring opinions to come to some boring compromise. Nothing like a win-win situation to deflate and seriously depress a 'real' winner.

I'd be a bit concerned that Hasbeen might want to stand in a military flight jacket on some big carrier in some foreign waters declaring the 'success of a win' of an invasion. We've tried that before and are still picking up the pieces of that little thrill ride.

Give me a pot smoking 'love-the-world-man' PM to an 'I-love-that-adrenalin-rush' thrill seeker any day.

Now I've thought about it, Malcolm just might get my vote next election. I'm watching Kev closely. Did he ever smoke pot?

Malcolm's casual and rare use Pot is the sort of thing alot of us did Bill Clinton included.

Such "errors of judgement" enhances his humanity, something which "clock-work Kev" could do with.

In fact Bill C's times with Pot were overshadowed by his times with cigars and Monica (who could have been nicknamed the human-humidor).

That interview with Tony Jones was quite revealing.Malcolm seemed to trying really hard to contain himself.Age apparently has mellowed him.Well not too much.People kept inquiring about his volcanic temper.Well I see nothing wrong with an occasional tirade just to let the troops know where they stand.

Tony Jones was soon put in his place with wit and congeniality. I think that Kevin Rudd had better raise the bar a peg or two,he now has a real fight on his hands.

Anansi: "Give me a pot smoking 'love-the-world-man' PM to an 'I-love-that-adrenalin-rush' thrill seeker any day."

Amen to that sista!

I think it was Mae West who said, "I love a man who takes his time".

Which is why I have always preferred pot to speed...

Well for all those who have never thrown away their catechism, we all know that smoking pot is morally wrong. As far as Malcolm Turnbull is concerned, seeing that his smoking of the wacky weed was a very long time ago, there is no issue.
It would be best if as Australians we chastise instead our meat pie challenged journalists ( yes there used to be that variety back when Malcolm was trying the wacky tobaccy)who asked non-American tsk tsk puritan questions such as the one asked of Malcolm. He saw it coming and answered before being asked.
Australia is becoming a little Yankraliya; very sad.

Smoking of pot and taking of other drugs eg cocaine, heroin should all attract mandatory rehabilitation of the serious kind- rock-chopping and sport as part of the regimen. If rehab is refused then offenders should be criminalised and jail terms served.

People who promote decriminalisation of pot smoking and/or of more serious drugs are the last people I would want in our Parliaments or in positions of trust.

Webby ,the reality is this,for every drug banned somone will invent a new one in a backyard lab that is more potent and dangerous than the last.It is up to the individual to take responsiblity.Drugs won't go away no matter how many laws we implement,the only variable that will have impact,is human discipline and will,not to be corrupted.

Smoking pot, like drinking beer, if done with considered moderation, is pretty harmless.

So Malcolm smoked, big deal!

I reckon he jumped in pretty quickly to admit to pot because he didn't want to be asked how much coke he snorted with his merchant banker mates.

Nice one, Usual Suspect!

I suspect it's closer to the truth than we'll ever know. I have absolutely no trouble imagining Turnbull on coke, talking at a million miles-per-hour about how great he is.

I've met him. I doubt it.

Sancho and Usual Suspect.What if I published such a accusation with no proof on such a site as this about you?You would be sueing me and OLO for defamation.You cannot stero-type all merchant bankers or anyone according to your own particular political bias.It is the same prejudice as saying all coloured people have criminal tendencies.