Because the use of medical cannabis raises very emotional personal issues it may be difficult for there to be a considered level of objectivity about proposals for trials of the crop in Tasmania.

Those councils already pushing for trials to begin clearly have in mind the financial outcome for their ratepayers through increased valuations.

But there’saslightly cautionary note in all of this from Jodie Stephens – ‘‘Stuck in post-election limbo when it comes to big issues’’ (July 22).

Without expressing a view one way or the other about medical cannabis, Ms Stephens notes how it has suddenly become something of a priority cause, which it apparently wasn’t during the Labor-Greens years in government.

It’s not difficult to reach the conclusion that the now Labor Opposition see some political advantage in promoting medical cannabis and electrifying local government towards the cause.

‘‘Whoa’’ might be a good response.

There may well be very great advantages in Tasmania being involved in this crop. But it’s a big issue with obvious complications within agriculture, let alone the medical aspect, and local government may be the least equipped to get involved at this stage.

Most councils have enough on their plate already.

— TREVOR COWELL, Perth.