Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Second Cannabis Bill Faces Uncertain Future
Parliament will debate its second cannabis law reform bill in a week tonight with the Greens proposing a more permissive regime.
All MPs agreed yesterday to send the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill to the Health committee for consideration.
The Bill creates a statutory defence for terminally ill people to possess and use illegal cannabis.
Today is the first Members Day of the year and the second bill up for debate is the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.
The bill is in the
name of Chlöe Swarbrick. It amends the Misuse of Drugs Act
to make a specific exemption for any person with a
qualifying medical condition to cultivate, possess or use
cannabis plant for therapeutic purposes, provided they have
the support of a registered medical practitioner. The
exemption for cultivation and possession would also apply to
an immediate relative or any other person nominated by the
person with such a diagnosis, for
administering or
supplying cannabis to the person.
Its progress is much more problematic than the earlier cannabis bill. National had indicated only a small number of its MPs will support the Bill, a number of NZ First MPs are opposed and many in Labour have doubts as well.
The only chance for the Bill to progress is if enough MPs are convinced the issues are worth debating at select committee.
The first Member’s Bill to be debated tonight after Question Time and the General Debate is the Rates Rebate (Retirement Village Residents) Amendment Bill in the name of Ruth Dyson.
Scoop
Scoop Independent News
Scoop is NZ's largest independent news source; respected widely in media, political, business and academic circles for being the place on the internet for publishing "what was really said", and for the quality of its analysis of issues.
Gordon Campbell: On The Public Sector Carnage, And Misogyny As Terrorism
National Maori Authority: Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track Legislation
NZ Government: Comprehensive Partnership The Goal For NZ And The Philippines
DoC: Canterbury Spotted Skink In Serious Trouble
Te Pāti Māori: Oranga Tamariki Cuts Commit Tamariki To State Abuse
NZCTU: Inflation Data Shows Need For A Plan On Climate And Population
Statistics New Zealand: Annual Inflation At 4.0 Percent
