Binding cannabis referendum to be held at 2020 election

Tuesday, 18 December 2018, 11:59 am
Article: RNZ

Binding referendum on legalising cannabis for personal use to be held at 2020 election

A binding referendum on legalising cannabis for personal use will be held at the 2020 general election.

The referendum on cannabis for personal use is part of Labour's confidence and supply agreement with the Greens. Photo: Michael Fisher

It could be one of potentially three referenda - decisions have yet to be made about euthanasia and changes to electoral laws.

The cannabis referendum is part of Labour's confidence and supply agreement with the Green Party.

Justice Minister Andrew Little said the Electoral Commission will now get on and start planning for it.

"Having made the decision now, the Electoral Commission has put together a budget bid for the budget process next year. So ... we'll now process that budget bid. It obviously will attract budget confidentiality, so we'll know about that next May."

Greens MP Chloe Swarbrick said the party was proud the referendum would go ahead.

"We've long advocated for a binding referendum with legislation setting out a clear, evidence-based regulatory framework. That way, we avoid a Brexit-type situation figuring out what a 'yes' vote means after the fact, and cut grey moral panic from the debate."

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