Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Package Announced

If it cannot be implemented nationally, ALCP would instruct CERA to legalise cannabis in Canterbury only.

CERA has wide powers to suspend or relax any New Zealand law except the Bill of Rights Act.

ALCP Canterbury recovery spokesman Robert Wilkinson said CERA should use those powers to relax the cannabis laws in Canterbury.

"The people of Christchurch have already suffered enough stress following the earthquakes, legalising cannabis would relieve some of the pressure," Mr Wilkinson said.

"Cannabis is great for relieving stress and has been proven to have medical benefits for PTSD."

Canterbury would also receive an economic windfall, worth hundreds of million of dollars annually, if it became New Zealand's sole supplier of legal cannabis.

Mr Wilkinson said a special levy would direct the profits from legal cannabis sales to pay down Christchurch City Council debt and pay for the rebuild.

Robert Wilkinson is a former EQC employee and has experience settling earthquake related insurance claims.

ENDS

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