7/5/19

Cannabis Referendum Announcement – a Good Start But Not Binding

The #MakeItLegal campaign has welcomed the Government announcement today sketching out some of the substance of the cannabis referendum planned for next year, but has called for more certainty about it’s fate once the referendum passes.

“In December the Government promised us a binding referendum. This is not one. The members of the current coalition have committed to abide by the outcome but no one can predict the shape of the next Government” said #MakeItLegal spokesperson Sandra Murray.

“We would like to see a commitment not just to pass the bill, but within one year after the election. Second, we call upon the National Party to state clearly that they would also pass a successful bill within a year.” she said.

The #MakeItLegal campaign has welcomed many of the other aspects of the Cabinet decision, in particular that it will include a regulated legal supply, provisions for homegrown, an education programme around the proposal, and the chance for the public to input into the draft bill.

The Cabinet paper also refers (par 86) to the potential for regional development from a well-regulated market and #MakeItLegal encourages the Minister to develop a plan to transition illegal growers into a legal market.

“Getting the details right is critical” said spokesperson Nandor Tanczos. “What most New Zealanders want is for adults to be able to get cannabis legally and safely, but without seeing a cannabis goldrush. It is great that the Minister wants to keep engaging with stakeholders to make sure he gets it right”

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