Referendum welcomed by Cannabis Party

A move towards holding a referendum about cannabis at the next election is welcomed by the Cannabis Party.

Former CTU president Helen Kelly launched the referendum campaign after she was forced to obtain cannabis oil illegally to treat her cancer.

However, Family First's Bob McCoskrie has claimed the move will be used a back-door to recreational use.

"Mr McCoskrie's blind fear is misguided as recreational use would be treated as a separate issue to medical cannabis in any referendum," party leader Julian Crawford said.

"Family First needs to clarify whether they support the democratic referendum process and whether they think sick and dying people should have access to medical cannabis."

Mr Crawford said it was inconsistent with Christian values to deny any medicine to those who desperately needed it.

"Helen Kelly is one of thousands of New Zealanders who could benefit greatly from medical cannabis but has been denied it unjustly. She has been completely failed by the health system and the Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne," he said.

"A referendum would establish a political mandate to legalise cannabis for medical purposes."

The Cannabis Party has already committed to supporting the referendum, at its 2015 AGM.

ENDS

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